Big vision in Te Urewera plan

MAKING IT HAPPEN: Some of the staff making the changes happen across the priority areas for Waikaremoana Tribal Authority — from left, general manager Barry Bouton, Tina Wagner, Lorna Taylor, Oriwia Taylor and Herehere Titoko. Wairoa Star picture

THE laying down of the kawa or protocols for Te Urewera has begun with a framework launched at Taneatua.

The process has been described as the start of a two-year conversation that will give rise to a unique management plan for Te Urewera.

In launching its statement of priorities for the revered rainforest, Te Urewera Board laid out the objectives and policies for the park in a 40-page framework.

The Crown and Ngai Tuhoe welcomed the launch of Te Urewera’s inaugural statement of priorities earlier this week.

Treaty Minister Chris Finlayson said the launch was significant as it demonstrated the excellent progress Te Urewera Board had made since Te Urewera was declared a legal entity last year.

The statement of priorities invites public feedback on a framework for Te Kawa O Te Urewera, a 10-year management plan. Te Kawa o Te Urewera is due to be finalised in September 2017.

Conservation Minister Maggie Barry said the management plan would be crucial to the preservation and protection of Te Urewera’s precious ecosystem and native wildlife.

“It will strengthen the connection between Tuhoe and Te Urewera, and allow all New Zealanders to continue to access and experience the region," she said.

“Inviting public input at this first stage will greatly benefit the overall quality of the plan.”

Te Urewera’s Statement of Priorities and Te Kawa o Te Urewera framework is available online.

The deadline for providing feedback for Te Kawa o Te Urewera is February 26, 2016. The final framework then invites input into the plan from March 24 next year.

In 2017 the draft Te Kawa o Te Urewera will be available for viewing from April and the completion of the final Te Kawa o Te Urewera is due in September 2017. There are many ways to give feedback, in person to the board, by written submissions or via social media.

Te Urewera Act 2014 established Te Urewera as a legal entity, with all the rights, powers, duties and liabilities of a legal person. Te Urewera Board, appointed by Ngai Tuhoe and the Crown, acts on behalf of and is charged with governing Te Urewera.