Mana Enhancing Agreement signed between Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust and HBRC

An historic agreement has been signed between the Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council aimed at working together to enhance the Te Wai-o-Hingānga (Esk), Arapawanui, Waipātiki and Te Ngarue catchments using surplus funding sourced from the Tangoio Soil Conservation Reserve.

As part of Treaty Settlements HBRC is required to set up a Catchments Fund, which will receive money from time to time from the Tangoio Soil Conservation Reserve Operating Reserve. This money will be used to help fund enhancement projects the Trust wishes to undertake in the area.

Members of the Trust attended last Wednesday’s Council meeting to discuss the new agreement before its Chairman Tom Manaena and HBRC Chairman Fenton Wilson signed the agreement.

Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust General Manager Shayne Walker says the agreement sets out how the partnership will operate, based on Māori principles.

“This agreement is another positive step forward in treaty settlements and an indication of the level of partnership and expectation of how we wish to engage”, says Mr Walker.

HBRC Group Manager – Asset Management Mike Adye says the agreement cements the relationship between the Council and the Trust.

“Staff are currently working with the Trust to develop a programme of work to be funded from the fund, which may include major riparian enhancement work around Lake Tūtira.” Says Mr Adye.

ENDS

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