About Us

Welcome | Nau mai, haere mai

Te toto o te tangata he kai, te oranga o te tangata, he whenua, he oneone.
While food provides the blood in our veins, our health is drawn from the land and soil.

Hakea is located in an inlet of Aotea Harbour amongst the Pakoka Scenic Reserve. This harbour was the landing place of the Aotea waka, which brought the ancestors of the Ngā Rauru and Ngāti Ruanui tribes to New Zealand. This area is important habitat for sea and shore birds, known for fertile soils and a regenerating native forest. Hakea has influences of both inland & coastal weather patterns, flora and fauna.

The name of “Hakea” was given to the farm when no one could explain the strange tree that was found on the whenua (land). Later it turned, it is a Hakea from protea family. These trees have beautiful flowers and need fire to spread their seeds. Hakea has meanings of ascending & breath of life.

Over the years, Hakea has become a collective project where creativity is gathered and shared in variety of forms including art, knowledge, music and much more. It is a place for alternative thinking as well as conscious celebrations.

Our kaupapa (set of values, principles which are the foundations for our actions) is oriented around community building ethics and a value system that celebrates life, personal growth, creative expression and connection/protection of Papatūānuku:

Kaitiakitanga (Earth Care), Te aroha ki a Papatūānuku, care of all living systems, our planet, our oceans, waterways and forests. This was once at the heart of our well being. Our unique identity as guardians is the source of restorative cycle of aroha in our lives. ?

Whanaungatanga (People Care), Te aroha ki ngā hononga, care for the self, kin and the community. We are born to connect, born social. Strengthening our bonds with others is a central part of our lives. ?‍?‍?‍?

Manaakitanga (Fair share), Te aroha ki te tangata, the very essence of respectful caring and protection of others. ?

Meet The Team

Merve Yeşilkır

Merve is a scientist by trade having studied Molecular Biology and Genetics, followed by several research projects in Europe. She brings an analytical mind to the farm. After completing her Permaculture Design Course, she knew she found her lifelong research project of working with nature. It comes to her naturally when it is about designing food forests and gardens for people and the land. She is trained by local Maori on indigenous connection to land and growing food. She creates most of our content and enjoys delivering stories in writing. She enjoys hiking, outdoors, sewing and creative work i.e making crafts, art..

Daniel Maurice Whittington

Dan is a multi-skilled and innovative technologist. He has experience as an engineer and electrician. His main focus is creating and designing systems that work efficiently and sustainably. He deals with daily farm management and any infrastructure related topics. He is a natural at problem solving and creating solutions. He enjoys spending time with our animals, surfing, outdoors, dancing and music.