Tātau Tātau Horticulture update
Manaaki whenua, manaaki wai, manaaki tangata, haere whakamua
Caring for our land, caring for our water, caring for our people, for the future
Our first orchard!
We are very excited to announce the establishment of our first orchard in partnership with The Proprietors of Ohuia Incorporation. 18 hectares of apples will be planted on Ohuia’s Tara Block up the Tiniroto Road in Marumaru.
In 2017, Ohuia commenced exploration over its 300ha of Māori freehold land to investigate the sustainability of horticulture. Its long-term aspirations to create employment and training opportunities through horticulture will be fast-tracked through this exciting new partnership.
Horticulture across our rohe has the potential to transform the community of Wairoa – creating meaningful employment and education opportunities that will contribute to our growing population and the sustainability of our people to stay in Wairoa.
Many of you attended our various landowner hui over the last few months and expressed an interest in horticulture opportunities for your whenua. The successful outcomes of these hui are:
- The establishment of a database utilising the information provided from landowners; we see this as an important tool in identifying owners and pockets of underutilised whenua.
- Two roopu of landowners are undertaking feasibility studies on their identified whenua; and
- We have progressed education regarding governance structures and board membership roles and responsibilities.
Next steps
Just like the words of our ancestors through this whakataukī, we are very cognisant of the nationwide pull on our natural resources, in particular our wai. We require the supply of water to irrigate the orchard. The latest technology and monitoring will ensure we use only what we need.
Our ongoing responsibilities to our whenua, wai and our people, include the identification and mitigation of any potential impacts of horticulture. A Cultural Impact Assessment is an important component of this kaupapa. We have engaged Jade Wikaira and Liz Palmer to facilitate the meaningful and effective participation of tangata whenua. A Consultation Hui will be held Saturday 17 July at 10am at Taihoa Marae which we invite you to attend.
Later in July, we will be working with our established environmental champions for riparian planting activities. Our plan is in the design phase — we do encourage that you keep an eye out for further communications regarding our contribution towards our healthy ecosystem.
Upcoming event
Consultation Hui - Cultural Impact Assessment
Taihoa Marae | Saturday 17 July, 10am
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