Have your say on four iwi-owned reserves in Waipā
It’s time to share your views on a draft plan that will help shape the future of four Waipā reserves that are owned and managed by Ngāti Koroki Kahukura.
The four reserves up for discussion are Taumatawīwī Recreation Reserve, Waikaukau Recreation Reserve, Te Reti Scenic Reserve and Koroki Kahukura ki Hinuera Scenic Reserve.
The reserves were returned to Ngāti Koroki Kahukura as part of the iwi’s Treaty settlement with the Crown. They are managed by Ngā Pae Whenua, a joint management body that is made up of iwi representatives from Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and members of Waipā District Council.
Ngāti Koroki Kahukura representative Linda Te Aho said the reserve management plan will help provide for and ensure the future use, enjoyment, maintenance, protection and preservation of the reserves.
The draft plan details the principles, objectives and policies to support Ngā Pae Whenua with both day to day and long-term decisions about how the reserves are used, managed and developed.
“Our vision for the reserves is: He taonga tuku iho te whenua he puururu whenua mau roa, whenua (land) is a gift from our ancestry to sustain future generations,” Te Aho said.
The draft plan focuses on:
- The reserves being developed and maintained well to support both recreational and cultural use.
- Commercial use being supported when it aligns with recreation and reflects mana whenua and community interests.
- Whānau actively using and caring for the reserves in ways that uphold their cultural identity and practices.
- The reserves’ cultural, historical, and archaeological features being protected and enhanced.
- Māori knowledge and tikanga being embedded into how the reserves are managed.
- Investigating opportunities to provide future public access to Koroki Kahukura ki Hinuera Reserve.
The community will have the opportunity to speak to their submissions at a hearing that will be heard by Ngā Pae Whenua later in the year. Feedback is now open at waipadc.govt.nz/ngapaewhenua and will close 5pm Friday, June 27.
