Combined Efforts Connecting Locals To Nature
Hon Kiri Allan
Minister of Conservation
Minita mō Te Papa Atawhai
A Government investment in six community and iwi-led projects across the Hawke’s Bay district will provide nature-based jobs for more than 60 locals, Conservation Minister Kiri Allan says.
“Combined, these projects are contributing to a really ambitious conservation effort across the region, while at the same time up-skilling and offering meaningful work to locals affected by the economic impact of COVID-19.
“They all have a strong focus on landscape-scale rehabilitation of unique and valuable ecosystems.
“This includes predator control, fencing and ongoing restoration at some well-loved and nationally significant sites, including Auhiriri Estuary, a refuge for more than 70 species of resident and migratory birds, including the kuaka/godwit, and Balls Clearing Scenic Reserve - known for its stand of native podcarps and home to a colony of long-tailed bats.
“Several of the initiatives are iwi-led, creating new opportunities for them to build knowledge and skills while working towards shared conservation goals.
“There’s one in particular that I’m really excited about, which prioritises wahine with school-aged children and offers some fantastic cultural and educational opportunities alongside the practical field work.
“Hawke’s Bay is already a leader in landscape-scale projects. The cumulative effect of this latest investment - $10,542,000 through our Jobs for Nature programme - will make a measurable and lasting difference in the region, protecting our most important natural resources for everyone to enjoy,” Kiri Allan said
The projects are funded for one to three years.
· Mauri Oho, led by Manaaki Ruahine Trust, has received $2.506 million and is estimated to employ 12 people over three years. This species recovery project focuses on landscape scale trapping for rats and mustelids, and riparian recovery on Māori Trust land, and public conservation land in the Northern Ruahine Range, and neighbouring farmland. It will improve biodiversity in these areas, protecting some key taonga such as whio and kiwi.
· Te Ngāhere, led by Te
Ngahere Ltd, has received $2.04 million and is estimated to
employ nine people over three years. Pest control, trapping,
fencing and planting are the key focus areas for this
project across a number of key locations including Cape
Sanctuary, Kaweka Forest Park, Balls Clearing Reserve and
various waterways.
Kia eke Te Ngarue,
Kia eke Arapawanui, led by
Maungaharuru-Tangitū Charitable Trust, has received $1.896
million and is estimated to employ eight people over three
years. The project aims to restore two awa, Te Ngarue and
Arapawanui, and build capacity within the hapū to manage
their landscape scale restoration
projects.
Kaitiaki Taiao, led by Ngāti
Pāhauwera Development Trust, has received $1.64 million and
is estimated to employ 7 people over three years. This
collaborative ecological restoration project works with
marae, iwi members, land trusts, government and research
agencies to focus on riparian management, native planting,
kaka beak protection, and waterway, lake and wetland
protection between Te Hauke and Waihua.
Te
Whanganui ā Orotu, led by Te Taiwhenua o Te
Whanganui a Orotu, has received $1.47 million and is
estimated to employ eight people – with a focus on wahine
who have school-aged children - over three years.
Restoration through pest and weed control of the 470ha
Ahuriri Estuary, a local site of significance, will provide
habitat protection for threatened native
birds.
Ka Hikitia, led by Te Wai Mauri
Limited, has received $990,000 and is estimated to employ 15
people over one year. Te Wai Mauri Limited has been
established to upskill unemployed whānau members to become
Kaitiaki Rangers to undertake conservation activities within
their community. Work will include planting, wetland
restoration, maintaining tracks, weed control and pest
control.