Extra hands huge boost to Whaia Titirangi programme

REINFORCEMENTS: Whaia Titirangi operational leader Jordan Tibble (left), supervisor Angus Maindonald and operational assistant Mihikura Te Pairi at the kowhai grove as it gets attention from workers added to their team through the Tairawhiti Economic Support Package Redeployment Programme. Photo by The Black Balloon

When Whaia Titirangi operational leader Jordan Tibble thinks about her work on the maunga (Titirangi), it is with a long-term vision.

“When I am 65 I want to come back and walk through the ngahere (forests) we have planted and see all our manu (birds) thriving in their new home,” she says.

Titirangi/Kaiti Hill resonates with so many across Tairawhiti for all sorts of reasons — history, connection, fitness and more — so when the programme was announced as part of one of five projects identified in the Tairawhiti Economic Support Package Redeployment Programme's $23.755m funding, Jordan and others rejoiced.

Suddenly their team of three was to expand to 17.

Jordan and Whaia Titirangi project manager Ranell Nikora are excited about what this means for a programme they are passionate about.

“Our job is not to be here forever but to make it possible to continue the mantle,” Ranell says.

The programme – a collaborative effort between Ngati Oneone and Gisborne District Council – has been running two years with a primary focus on community engagement and conservation education.

Their work is visible to all who walk on, run over or visit the maunga. They have hands-on support from organisations, schools and individuals but the magnitude of the work makes it challenging to stay ahead.

“It can't be underestimated what it means to have this extra help through the redeployment programme,” Ranell says.

When the first six of the workers started this week, Jordan took them for a walk and told them stories of the maunga, giving an insight to the plantings, the trees and more.

“It is hard to explain when you are standing at Te Poho-o-Rawiri (Marae) but when you get out into the trees and ngahere (bush) all the stories just come to you,” Jordan says.

“You get carried away. Today they were all wide-eyed and ready to burst with questions.”

These are reactions she understands only too well.

Their involvement in the programme means so much more can be accomplished, she says.

“We can hit different areas all over the maunga. Everything is a cycle and usually you can only do so much, but this means we can do all areas and accomplish more.”

Those who have come on to the team through the programme were chosen for their skill-sets and development potential.

The 17 workers have a staggered start over the next few weeks.

“As unique as our programme is, each of them brings a unique addition to our team,” Jordan said.

The Titirangi component of the programme runs for 12 weeks.

“This is an opportunity for us to share more of what we do . . . to ignite the passion and share the joy of our maunga. We love sharing the maunga. Everyone can find their passion here and there is such mana in the mahi (work).”

Around 70,000 trees have already been planted on Titirangi with another 10,000 set to go in this year under the programme. There are also plans to clear new areas and prepare sites for future planting. The seaward side of the maunga will also get some attention.

The programme is in response to the impacts of Covid-19, and while initially aimed to assist displaced forestry workers, has been broadened.

It encompasses five key projects and aims to provide work and training for up to 200 people.

At the very heart of each are the displaced workers who will get meaningful employment with the opportunity for training, new qualifications, additional skills and the possibility of long-term jobs.

The Titirangi component is part of a wider environmental project across the rohe, including parks and coastal areas.