Tararua ratepayers contribute to Manawatu River iwi engagement project

Local iwi and councils have all contributed to the $814,000 Tū Te Manawa project.

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.

Tū Te Manawa project executive Hone Morris said the overall purpose of the project is to enhance iwi involvement in the river's restoration, and increasing its mana through communicating stories that reconnect iwi and hapū with their awa.

"The Manawatū River runs from Norsewood to Foxton Beach. It encompasses many tributaries and crosses the Tararua, Manawatū and Horowhenua Districts," he said.
"Ko Manawatū te awa, he awa tapu, hei piringa mauri, hei piringa tangata. The sacred river of Manawatū, where the life force remains to bring people together.

"As part of the project, eight whare will be constructed at culturally significant sites. The first, at Ferry Reserve in Woodville, is due for completion at the end of November.

"The whare will house historical, cultural and scientific narratives, and provide a place for people to engage at the river's edge."

Tararua District mayor Tracey Collis said we are fortunate the first whare due for completion is located in Tararua at Woodville's Ferry Reserve.

"The whare will provide a special place for Rangitane to share their story and the significance of the river to them," she said. "It will also educate the public and visitors on the ways we can all help protect and preserve the river.

"Ferry Reserve has become an increasingly popular destination over the past few years and many groups are working to continue improving the area as a recreational site for locals and visitors to enjoy."

Mr Morris said with support from Horizons, the Te Mana o Te Wai fund and landowners, Tū Te Manawa project members will also engage in an extensive planting and fencing programme to physically improve and enhance the quality of the river from source to the sea.

"A culturally significant species protection and enhancement programme will also be developed and implemented at each of the whare sites, allowing iwi, hapū, whānau and students from local schools to engage in community science."