Tararua District ratepayers have contributed to Tū Te Manawa, a new project to enhance iwi and hapū involvement in the Manawatū River.
The Rangitāne o Tāmaki Nui a Rua project was launched at the Te Manawa Art, Science, and History Museum in Palmerston North recently and has received a $534,000 grant from Te Mana o Te Wai Fund.
Since the initiation of the Manawatū River Leaders' Accord, iwi leaders from the district have actively supported the improvement of the Manawatū River, with Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Māori Party co-leader Marama Fox announcing a $534,000 Te Mana o Te Wai grant for the $814,000 Tū Te Manawa project.
In addition to iwi contributions of $40,000 from Rangitāne o Tamaki Nui a Rua, Horizons Regional Council has provided $220,000, Palmerston North City Council $10,000 and Tararua District Council $10,000 in additional funding.
Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said the Manawatu River Accord is a leading example of people working together to achieve a better outcome for our river.