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Project showcasing working together
ONE OF THE LARGER WEED CLEARANCE AND RIVERBANK PLANTING PROJECTS TO BE
UNDERTAKENWITH AUTHORITY FUNDING IS GETTING UNDERWAY NORTH OF HUNTLY.
The two year project is being led by the Tainui
Development Authority with major support
from the Kanaea Kakariki Trust. The project will
concentrate on the western side of the Waikato
River heading north of Huntly covering an area of
more than twelve hectares.
Operational managers Te Winika and Victor Nikau
have been involved in a significant amount of
planning due to the scale of project.
“We have had a lot of discussion with a number of
marae and the regional council given that most of
the work to be carried is on their land but we are
now approaching the hands on ground work,” say
the couple.
The Waikato River Authority has also been closely
involved in the project. Through collaboration
during the funding application process the TDA
project was combined with one from Waahi
Whaanui Trust to ultimately be awarded $1.2
million in funds.
“From the WRA’s viewpoint we are not only
seeking an important environmental outcome
from this project but see it as an example of
collaboration and sharing of information in large
scale undertakings that can be replicated,” says
Authority Funding Manager Sean Newland.
Waikato River Restoration Forum established
A STRATEGIC WAIKATO RIVER LEADERSHIP GROUP HAS BEEN ESTABLISHED TO CHART
NEW TERRITORY IN THE WAY INDUSTRY, GOVERNMENT AND IWI ORGANISATIONS CAN
WORK TOGETHER FOR THE BENEFIT OF THE WAIKATO ANDWAIPA RIVERS.
Members of the group, known as the Waikato River
Restoration Forum, all have significant interest
in the Waikato River. It includes representatives
from the Waikato River Authority, the five
Waikato River iwi (Waikato-Tainui; Raukawa; Te
Arawa; Tuwharetoa; Maniapoto), Department of
Conservation, Fonterra, DairyNZ, Mighty River
Power, Genesis Energy (also representing other
marae organisations) and the Waikato Regional
Council. The group has agreed terms of reference
aimed at collaborating to achieve integrated
restoration for the benefit of the river.
Waikato River Authority Chief Executive and
Forum Chair Bob Penter says an important role for
the Waikato River Restoration Forum will be to
share information and to work together on major
projects relating to the health and wellbeing of
the Waikato River.
“Each member of the Forum, sometimes on an
individual basis, is involved in significant work
relevant to the river. By combining or sharing
our resources we have the opportunity to ensure
substantial, effective and enduring progress
towards the vision for a restored and healthy
Waikato River.”
It is proposed the Waikato River Restoration
Forum will also take on a key support role for
the development of a medium term restoration
action plan for the Waikato River. It will also look
for opportunities to raise community awareness
and appreciation of the value of the Waikato
River catchment. The Forum is also open to
other organisations that can support an
integrated and coordinated approach
to river restoration initiatives.
Project operational manager Victor Nikau (right) with Sean Newland
from the Waikato River Authority at the start of the riverbank clearance
and planting in Huntly.
