Efforts step up for river's restoration

Raukawa have signed five historic Joint Management Agreements with district councils to enhance efforts to accelerate the restoration of the Waikato River.

The South Waikato iwi joined with the Taupo, South Waikato, Waipa, Otorohanga and Rotorua District Councils this week to sign a Joint Management Agreement (JMA) at Ngatira Marae in Putaruru.

Raukawa has previously signed a co-management agreement with the Waikato Regional Council for the length the river which flows through the Raukawa rohe from Te Toka a Tia near Taupo through to Karapiro.

Raukawa Settlement Trust chairwoman Vanessa Eparaima said Raukawa is passionate about restoring the Waikato River to its former pristine glory.

"For many years our people have been forced to sit as silent observers to the degradation of the river's sacred nurturing waters.

"I applaud the commitment and shared vision of local councils who are working constructively with iwi to halt the decline and turn the tide on the pollution of the river's waters."

Mrs Eparaima said the restoration of the river and its tributaries was an outcome that benefited all communities.

"We will continue to work with central and local government and other agencies to ensure that the restoration of the Waikato River remains a key priority, and that it is protected for the future benefit of all New Zealanders."

Mrs Eparaima acknowledged the hard work and commitment of Raukawa Charitable Trust deputy chairwoman Kataraina Hodge for her passion in bringing the JMA together in conjunction with the Raukawa Environment Team and the five councils.

She said the resulting JMA would provide further momentum to processes and initiatives tasked with hastening the clean-up of the river.

An example of some of the progress being made to improve the health of the river includes work by the Raukawa Environment Team to re-establish native fish populations in the Waikato River and its tributaries.

"Raukawa has developed a Fisheries Management Plan that addresses some key issues within our area, such as the loss of fish habitat, the impact of pest fish and declining fish populations," Mrs Eparaima said.

The purpose of the plan is to enable Raukawa to exercise mana whakahaere (organise) and to effectively participate in the management of freshwater fisheries within the rohe and activities that may impact upon them.

This project like others, including Nga Wahi Tuturu and the development of the Raukawa Environmental Management Plan, (REMP) are examples of the key projects that are providing tangible gains in efforts to improve the health and well-being of the Waikato River.