About Us

Welcome — Nau mai, haere mai. A place where people and the land grow together.

Story of Hakea

Aotea Harbour & Pakoka Scenic Reserve

Hakea is part of the living landscape of Aotea Harbour and the Pakoka Scenic Reserve. Surrounded by regenerating native forest, rolling hills, and a landscape full of life, this place continues to teach us about resilience, renewal, and connection.

The name Hakea was given to the farm after a mysterious tree was discovered growing on the land. Later, it was identified as a Hakea from the Protea family — a remarkable tree known for its beautiful flowers and its unique relationship with fire.

Hakea trees are pioneer species, often appearing in landscapes that have experienced disturbance. They help create the conditions for other plants to return, becoming part of the ongoing cycle of regeneration and renewal.

As the native forest returns and the ecosystem continues to heal, the role of the Hakea tree naturally changes. For us, this tree represents resilience, transformation, and the journey from a wounded landscape towards abundance.

Kaupapa

Our values

Hakea is guided by values that celebrate life, connection, creativity, personal growth, and care for the living world. These principles shape the way we care for the land, support one another, and create a place where people, plants, animals, and ideas can flourish.

Kaitiakitanga

Earth Care

A commitment to caring for the living systems that sustain us — the forests, waterways, oceans, soil, plants, animals, and all life that surrounds us. This relationship with the land is at the heart of Hakea.

Whanaungatanga

People Care

The understanding that we are connected. We care for ourselves, our families, our community, and the relationships that help us grow together.

Manaakitanga

Sharing & Care

A practice of kindness, generosity, respect, and looking after one another. Creating a place where everyone is welcomed, valued, and supported.

Meet the Team

People behind Hakea

Hakea is shaped by the many people who have cared for, contributed to, and shared in the journey of this place. While Dan and Merve have helped nurture the vision of Hakea, this land and community continue to be shaped by the many people, families, friends, and volunteers who have given their time, energy, creativity, and care. Every person who has planted, built, grown, created, and contributed has become part of the story of Hakea. Together, these many hands continue to help this place flourish.

Merve Yeşilkır

Permaculture & Garden Design

Merve is a scientist by trade who brings curiosity, observation, and an analytical mind to the land. After completing her Permaculture Design Course in 2017 and a teaching course in 2025, she discovered a lifelong passion for learning from and working alongside nature. At Hakea, Merve shares her knowledge through permaculture, garden design, and the ongoing development of abundant food systems. Outside of her time in the garden, Merve enjoys hiking, sewing, and exploring creative projects.

Daniel Maurice Whittington

Regeneration & Systems Design

Dan brings together practical skills, curiosity, and a deep connection with the living world. With a background in electrical, engineering, and sustainable technologies, he enjoys creating practical solutions that support the health of the land, the community, and the systems that connect them. At Hakea, Dan works across regeneration, infrastructure, renewable energy, and the deeper structures that help communities thrive — from physical systems to culture, connection, and ways of working together. Outside of caring for Hakea, Dan enjoys connecting with animals, surfing, dancing, and creating music.

Community

Held together by the people who call Hakea home

Hakea is home to a diverse land-based community of people who care for this place and contribute to its ongoing story. Together, we tend the gardens, share meals, celebrate life, and care for the areas of land each person looks after.

Each person brings their own strengths, stories, creativity, and care. Their presence becomes part of what Hakea grows into — woven through the people, plants, animals, and life that flourish here.

Become part of the story

Stay with us or volunteer your time. Connect with the land, experience the community, and become part of the ongoing story of Hakea.

Get in Touch Book Your Stay