Ngā Awa national hui connects river restoration communities
There was a strong sense of ‘being in this waka together’ at the Ngā Awa national hui held at the Ngāti Kuia Te Hora Marae near Canvastown last month.
Te Hoiere Project Co-ordinator Wilhelmina (Willi) Borst said more than 40 Ngā Awa team members from all over Aotearoa/New Zealand arrived for the bi-annual three-day hui despite several cancelled flights and rushed re-bookings.
The Department of Conservation’s Ngā Awa River Restoration Programme works in partnership to restore the biodiversity of 12 priority rivers around New Zealand. The programme began in 2019 and includes a diverse range of river catchments across the country, of which Te Hoiere/Pelorus is one.
“Those attending were mostly DOC rangers and their mana whenua partners plus a few DOC specialists ranging from community engagement to freshwater scientists,” Willi said.
Feedback received after the hui including from mana whenua partners was appreciation for the opportunity to connect and spend time together. Some commented that it was encouraging to share successes and challenges because it was easy to get disheartened given the scale of the work.
Willi said the hui also provided a great opportunity to showcase the significant achievements of Te Hoiere Project and celebrate the Department of Conservation’s work in partnership with Ngāti Kuia, Rangitāne, Marlborough District Council, farmers and communities.
The first day at the marae focused on whakawhanaungatanga (relationship building) so attendees could get to know each other and be introduced to Te Hoiere Project. “Day 2 was the Field Trip which allowed us to expand on the parts of the project introduced the day before.”
Attendees visited Wairau Lagoon which, while not technically part of Te Hoiere catchment, was an incredibly special place to take visitors – especially visitors who are interested in how natural resources have been managed in the past and now into the present and future, Willi said.
“Next stop was Motuweka/Havelock where we learnt about the Havelock Causeway planting project, community involvement in wetland restoration and DOC’s successful spartina eradication project. We also learnt about the human history of the wider area.”
“From there we travelled to Pelorus Bridge where we were told about the significance of pakohe (argillite) and the awa to local iwi Ngāti Kuia. Participants were also amazed to learn about the pekapeka/long tailed bat project while eating lunch under the shelter of the kahikatea trees then wandered up the path to look at and listen to stories relating to the taonga of the Kete Aronui gallery.”
“The day was rounded off by a walk across the bridge to Titiraukawa where the Ngā Tai Purua nursery has been established. We also learned about the Kanuka processing facility which operates alongside it.”
The final day was spent at Te Hora Marae reflecting on the hui, various Ngā Awa projects and discussing the future and the importance of connection.
“Knowing that similar challenges are shared by most of the river restoration communities helps us remember that we are not alone. By connecting with each other we can share our experiences and learnings for the benefit of all the river restoration communities,” Willi said.
She made special mention of the following people for their kōrero during the hui - Ruihana Smith, Heli Wade, Budyong Hill, Ngakau Moka-Tengu, Sarah Huntley, Shannon Huntley, Callum Huntley, and Eugene Whakahoehoe. Attendees also expressed thanks to Te Hora Marae for their generous hospitality.
Photo credit: Sarah Wilcox DOC
