The Government’s Jobs for Nature Program continues to support local employment opportunities by investing in a project that will significantly improve Ngti Twharetoa’s capacity to engage with on-the-ground as well as strategic conservation activities.
Kiri Allan, Conservation Minister states that $500,000 will be invested in the Oranga Taiao, Oranga Tangata project by the Twharetoa Maori Trust Board over two years. This will provide full time work for five people and help to protect, restore, and enhance Taup’s biodiversity.
Its purpose is two-fold. First, it is about building a tikanga workforce to provide restoration, pest control, and fencing skills to help restore lands and tributaries throughout the rohe Twharetoa.
“Secondly, it will strengthen the Twharetoa Mori Trust Board’s capacity, allowing it generate funding, hire staff, engage with landowners, Ahu Whenua Trusts, as well as develop a long-term plan for the environment.
“Key to the project” is enabling the iwi full participation in environmental decision-making, monitoring and research, as well as other aspects of conservation.
Kiri Allan stated that this work, along other proposed environmental restorations of rivers and lake margins will provide an ongoing legacy for Taup which both Ngti Twharetoa as well as the wider community will be able take pride in and enjoy into future.
The board will work with the Tauhara Mountain Trust to help them develop a predator-proof fence at the base of the mountain. This is part of their commitment towards looking after the whanau, and thus the wai.
This is done in conjunction with wilding pine eradication, restoration plant, and pest management.
(With inputs from the New Zealand Government Press Release