Green light for ground-breaking Taiao Strategy A game-changing strategy setting out a framework for how the agricultural assets of the Ātihau-Whanganui Incorporation will be managed has been approved by the board.
Ithasbeendescribedby previousboardchairMavis Mullinsasa“platinum standard”forbestpractice and,reflectingtihauWhanganuiIncorporation valuesandprinciples,itwill ensurethatbusinessdecisions arebasedonkaitiakitanga. After more than a year of development, the green light for the Taiao Strategy – which has afive-yeartimeframe–hasbeen welcomed by Chief Executive Andrew Beijeman.
comesfromtheTeKaruwhnau, who have strong connections to Maungrongo.
The strategy lists a number of specifictargetswhichshouldbemet by 2028. These include:
Acknowledging there are some •fencingozwaterways lofty goals in the strategy, Andrew • reducing greenhouse gas emissions describes it as “an exciting piece of • regenerating biodiversity in retired work–andcertainlyachallenge”. habitats “But it will put us at the forefront of managing the land with less impact on the environment. “This is something that the whole agriculture sector has to be thinking about.”
• planting • pest control • investigating regenerative agriculture and how practices can be changed to further lessen the impact of farming • assessing the economic impact of any changes.
The strategy was prepared by “Having received approval from the environmental planner Tina Porou, board, we will now be focusing on Says Mavis Mullins: “The Taiao who is enthusiastic about what she gettingitimplemented,”hesays. Strategy will codify where sees as a ground-breaking project. mtaurangaMori( Mori “Itisasignificantchunkofwork,but “Many other trusts, incorporations knowledge)andfarmingbest we are getting it under way, which and mainstream farms are interested practice meet. Our expectations as a is good. in whether they can use a similar kaupapa-drivenwhnaubusinessare “Thefirststephasbeentorecruita model,”shesays. thatouractivitiescausenoharm.” Taiao manager, who will prioritise Andrew notes that an important the work programme and handle Thestrategyhasalsoallowedtihau aspect of setting the strategy applications for funding. We are to change its lending arrangements involved extensive consultation with really pleased to have Courtney toaSustainabilityLinkedLoan, shareholdersandstazonwhatthe providing further integrity to the Haywood come on board to help in finalframeworkshouldlooklike. thisposition.” implementation of the strategy, and a small interest saving if goals are “And we took their feedback on Courtney( NgtiRangi)isa shareholder descendant and achieved. board,”hesays. 18
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