New initiatives planned for AWHI hunters and gatherers

A new shareholder hunting engagement plan aims to create more hunting opportunities for shareholders wanting to gather kai for their whānau.

The move to update the Ātihau- Whanganui Incorporation (AWHI) hunting processes and policies comes as a result of feedback from shareholders at the last annual general meeting, when concerns about the lack of opportunities to hunt were raised.

Tikanga and Branding Manager Whetu Moataane said there were large numbers of hunters among the local shareholder community.

“It is a way of life for them – a way to support not only their own whānau but also their relatives especially in times of tangihanga, unveilings, birthdays and other special occasions,” he says.

“In the city, most people go to the local supermarket for meat but here in the Whanganui and Ruapehu areas, their first port of call for meat is the whenua, so it’s really important that we help them continue that practice.”

Since the annual general meeting, the AWHI Board has re-established the Hunting Advisory Group to action the points raised by shareholders and to ensure farm managers have a voice in any new initiatives. It was also identified that the hunting policy needed to be reviewed.

The committee consists of four members – two shareholders, Peter Wikohika and Chris Kumeroa, one farm manager representative, Rex Martin, as well as Whetu as the AWHI management representative.

Peter hails from Raetihi and Chris comes from the river. Both are seasoned hunters. Rex is an experienced farmer currently managing the Ohorea Station in Raetihi.

“We have some really good expertise amongst the group and we all agree that we need to simplify the process so whānau can safely get their kai and our farmers can safely do their mahi.”

Some of the new initiatives the committee is looking at include the introduction of an education programme, which would give hunters guidelines on health and safety and best practice.

Most of the hunting for kai available on the AWHI whenua, which includes 42,000 hectares of farm land across Whanganui and Ruapehu districts, is deer, wild pig and goats.

Whetu said the Hunting Advisory Group would present the Shareholder Hunting Engagement Plan and the reviewed hunting policy over the coming months for the board’s consideration.