The problem was cattle, and damage caused by effluent, nutrients and sediment from dairy and beef farms, which travelled from the upper catchments all the way down to Kaipara Harbour – and affected, among other things, migrating breeding eels. As part of the solution, Millan initiated hundreds of kilometres of fencing to exclude stock from waterways. His latest campaign centres on improving waterways around the country – including the Wairua River – with a new nitrate detection sensor project. As Poroti Springs Coordinator for Whatitiri Māori Reserves Trust, Millan continues to advocate for the values of his hapu of Poroti and Mangakahia to be recognised in improving water quality. In 2018 Millan was presented with the New Zealand Order of Merit.

Listen to him tell his story, and find out about his latest marine energy project here.