Nga Kaupapa - Projects

Kaitiakitanga of geothermal ecosystems through joint scientific and Matauranga-a-iwi approaches: Waiotapu case study

In 2019 the Runanga partnered with GNS to combine their scientific knowledge with Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa matauranga regarding the Waiotapu-Waikite geothermal field. The Runanga saw this as an opportunity to capture and share some of our matauranga with interested iwi members while building on our holistic knowledge of this significant area for the benefit of present and future generations. There was also opportunity for our iwi to understand some of the science behind the uses of our taonga explained as simply as possible. The attached report is the culmination of this joint project. Access the report here

Orakei Korako/Red Hills Wilding Pine Control

The Runanga has undertaken substantial wildling pine control work within Orakei Korako/Red Hills, Tutukau Forest and along the lower Mangatoetoe Stream and Waikato River margins. The project has been ongoing since 2012. The area where work is currently underway has high biodiversity values as well as geothermal features and covers areas along the margins of the Waikato River. Control of wildling pine and other weeds will assist in restoring and protecting these values. This area is also of great importance to Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa and is the iwi ukaipo or birthplace. Control of wildling pine is assisting in protecting and enhancing cultural values. Work is now in its fifth year and the progress made to date is very visible on the landscape. Further ongoing maintenance will be required into the future. This project is funded by the Waikato River Authority (WRA 12-047). Funding has also been provided by Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, Department of Conservation (Biodiversity Condition Fund) and Te Arawa River Iwi Trust.

Te Toke Road – Tahorakuri Reserve restoration

The project area was degraded land on the banks of the Waikato River which was used for rubbish dumping, had multiple weed issues and was relatively inaccessible. The area also has sites of cultural significance to Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa. This project has involved three stages of restoration with work focused on weed control, planting of natives, protection of cultural sites, providing interpretive information and increasing recreational opportunities. The total planting area is 3 hectares. The work has been led by the Runanga and has involved multiple agencies and stakeholders with input from the community including schools groups and others. Funding has been provided by Waikato Catchment Ecological Enhancement Trust, Honda Tree Fund and Te Arawa River Iwi Trust. Additional support has been provided by Fonterra and Landcorp and many members of the local community. Today, the reserve is a space for all to enjoy, rescued from its rubbish dumping past with an inspiring tale of a community coming together and making a difference.

Tutukau Forest

Tutukau East Z Trust own a large block of land comprising c2260ha of pasture, indigenous forest, exotic plantation forest, geothermal habitat and waterways including 3 streams which flow into the Waikato River. The Trust land contains part of the Tutukau Forest (686ha of the total forest area of 968ha) which is a large example of indigenous forest. The forest itself is protected by a Nga Whenua Rahui Kawenata agreement and is classified as a Significant Natural Area (SNA) and an Amenity Landscape area in the Taupo District Plan. In 2013, the Runanga commissioned Wildlands Consultants to prepare a restoration plan for Tutukau Forest on land owned by Tutukau Z East Trust. The plan has assisted in assessing biodiversity work and priorities at the site. Funding for the preparation of this plan was provided by the Department of Conservation Biodiversity Condition Fund in 2012. Download a copy of this plan here (leave same as currently on website) In addition to the development of this plan, the remaining Dactylanthus taylorii population in the forest was surveyed in 2012 by the Runanga. Over 180 plants have been caged to protect them from possum browse and disturbance. Caging and monitoring of this population continues on an annual basis. Funding was provided by the Department of Conservation through the Biodiversity Condition Fund in 2014 for the Dactylanthus work.

Lake Ngapouri and Lake Tutaeinanga Fencing and Riparian Restoration

Following on from the development of the 3 lakes action plan, in 2016 funding was successfully gained from the Waikato River Authority for fencing and riparian restoration at Lakes Ngapouri and Tutaeinanga. The project is focused on the protection and enhancement of these two lakes through restoring and extending their riparian margins. The purpose of this work is to return boundary fences to the correct boundaries, excluding stock from the lakes enabling riparian margins/reserve areas to be restored and water quality to improve. This work is part of the overall framework developed through the 3 Lakes Action plan for achieving improved water quality, improved biodiversity, improved catchment management and the ability to share cultural information and reconnection of iwi and the community and landowners to these sites. Approximately 5,103m meters of new fencing will be complete and an area of around 4 hectares of riparian margin will be replanted in native riparian plants around the two lakes. This project is part of the overall collaboration between Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa, Eastern Region Fish and Game, Te Arawa Lakes Trust, Waikato Regional Council and the Department of Conservation. This particular restoration project is being led by Eastern Fish and Game for fencing and restoration work at the lakes with Ngati Tahu-Ngati Whaoa Runanga Trust managing the overall project. Landowners around the two lakes are also working alongside us as part of this project and additional funding has been provided for fencing by Waikato Regional Council and Department of Conservation.