In October 2022, Ngāti Hauā Iwi Trust (HIT) received seed funding for Stage 1 from the Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust, enabling the NHIT to focus on three core issues: pest animal presence, risks to taonga species and minor pest plant concerns. Despite delays due to weather events, this period allowed for more comprehensive planning, including the hiring of a Project Team Leader and the adoption of a name for the project, Te Māhuri.

The Phase 2 project aims to expand upon the initial objectives by covering a 600-ha area over three years. Goals include pest eradication, monitoring of taonga species and mapping of rongoā plants, among others. Collaboration with Wairere Mahi from Ngāti Hinerangi has been established, owing to the shared interests and history in the project area.

Metrics for success have been defined as, trap catches for pest control to employment opportunities for Ngāti Hauā whānau. Monitoring protocols are in place for each goal, including but not limited to, bi-annual and quarterly assessments for pest control, annual tracking of employment rates and one-time development of a rongoā mapping system and assessment of the overall forest ecosystem health. This detailed planning aims to ensure that the project not only meets but exceeds its objectives, ultimately restoring the mauri of the Kaimai Mamaku area.