Wairoa water storage project boosts Māori-led horticulture and jobs

From left, Aayden Clarke, Shayne Walker, Minister Tama Potaka, Larrissa Cooper, Leon Symes, Lewis Ratapu, George Mackey, and Robin Kaa at Whakapau Orchard near Wairoa.

Post-Treaty settlement group Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is helping build a large water storage project in the district that could bring more than 100 extra jobs.

Minister for Māori Development Tama Potaka recently unveiled the first phase of a 150 million litre water storage facility at Whakapau Orchard during a recent visit to the region.

The project is set to be the cornerstone of a long-term strategy to support Haumako Horticulture to deliver sustainable horticulture with commercial and cultural returns.

Haumako shifted from traditional sheep and beef farming to orchards after planting 18ha of apples on Tara Orchard north of Wairoa in collaboration with Ohuia Incorporation.

Haumako then invested in Whakapau Farm, turning the farm into orchards with the vision of Wairoa becoming a thriving horticultural region.

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa says the shift has already fostered local employment, provided invaluable training for rangatahi, and promoted sustainable regional growth.

The development is supported by Te Puni Kōkiri through the Te Ringa Hāpai Fund.

Haumako said as a direct result of this investment, it will enable them to unlock the potential to create 134 jobs as it provides resilience to current orchards and enable further developments.

Leon Symes, chair of Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa Trust and co-chair of Matariki Regional Economic Development, said the new water infrastructure is the enabler to increasing productivity and building a strong Māori economy.

“The water infrastructure directly addresses one of the biggest barriers to unlocking Māori land potential, water certainty, and plays a pivotal role in attracting long-term capital investment.”

Chair of Tātau Tātau Commercial, E Tipu, Shayne Walker said it future-proofs business and will provide long-term resilience for horticulture development and people.

“Horticulture as a long-term investment needs to be able to respond to climate change and this water provides confidence to our whānau.

“The facility has been designed with environmental sustainability at its core.

“It includes taiao monitoring, riparian planting, and a commitment to ensuring no negative impacts on local waterways and fish species – reflecting the values of kaitiakitanga and tikanga Māori in action.”

General manager of Haumako, Robin Kaa, said the water storage reduces risk, supports high-value crops, and creates a model for future Māori-led horticulture.

The investment is part of a broader vision to position Wairoa as a major horticulture hub within Te Matau-a-Māui or Hawke’s Bay.

Since 2021, Te Puni Kōkiri has supported early-stage engagement with Māori landowners through feasibility studies, technical advice, and planning workshops – laying the groundwork for scalable, long-term development.