About us


Awaawaroa Bay Eco Village began in 1994 when an eclectic group of people, interested in ecological restoration and community, bought 169 hectares of land that had previously been part of a larger farm.  The land comprises a valley that stretches from a southern coastline on Awaawaroa Bay, north to Trig Hill, Onetangi. It contains a fully intact restored wetland ecosystem, which has been deemed a sanctuary for our indigenous long-finned eel/tuna and other native fish.

The valley is home to a variety of native birds including Bittern, Ruru, Kereru, Banded Rail, Dotterels, Spotless Crake, Brown Teal and Kaka who all enjoy the 85 hectares of covenanted regenerating ngahere/forest and foreshore.

Ngāti Paoa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāi Tai ki Tāmaki, Ngaati Whanaunga, Ngāti Tamaterā, Te Patukirikiri and Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua are manu whenua of the island and the land around the bay has several pa sites and areas of cultural and historical importance.

Currently there are around 40-50 adults and children who live in the village, from four to 73 years of age. Our village is made up of a range of nationalities and occupations, including a midwife & nurse, musicians, builders, artists, teachers, viticulturalists, solar and IT specialists, sailors and gardeners. Several families have home-based businesses. The village is governed through monthly meetings and working bees.  We work to balance our human needs with the greater good of the ecosystem that we are part of. We value honesty, cooperation and open communication. Our decision-making process operates through consensus.  Awaawaroa Bay Eco Village is a community who understands that our actions and behaviours influence the world of the future.

“Relationships are the core message of ecology.” Frances Moore Lappe