Environmental enhancement plan

Doyle Eccleshall Jingqian Sun Natalie Couch Shibing Li

Waikato of a hundred taniwha At every bend a taniwha can be found.

Waikato-taniwha-rau He piko, he taniwha, he piko, he taniwha.

Contents Waikato tainui iwi............................................... 4 Raukawa iwi.................................................... 5 Waikato River.................................................... 6 Maungatautari.........................................

7 Ngāti Korokī Kahukura........................................8 Project outline.................................................. 9 Landscape character......................................... 10,11 Native Forest.................................................... 12 Nga repo- Wetlands........................................... 13 Hydrology......................................................... 14 Catchments...................................................... 15 Landuse Capabilities.......................................... 16 Ecologically Significant Area’s . ............................. 17 Culturally significant sites.................................... 18 Infrastructure..................................................... 19 Slope.............................................................. 20 Aspect............................................................ 21 Environmental Enhancement Strategy.................... 22 Analysis summary.............................................. 23 Land use potential............................................. 24 Development plan..............................................25 Case study- Tuaropaki........................................26 Case study- Koraha farms.................................. 27 Case study- Organic dairy farm............................28 Case study- Banks Peninsula track- Eco tourism.... 29 References...................................................... 30 References.......................................................31

Waikato-Tainui iwi Ko Mōkau ki runga Ko Tāmaki ki raro Ko Mangatoatoa ki waenganui.

Pare Hauraki, Pare Waikato Te Kaokaoroa-o-Pātetere.

Mōkau is above Tāmaki is below Mangatoatoa is between.

The boundaries of Hauraki, the boundaries of Waikato To the place called ‘the long armpit of Pātetere’.

Waikato tribes are descendants of the Tainui canoe that arrived in Aotearoa some 700 years ago. The ancestral lands of Waikato-Tainui stretch from the south head of Manukau Harbour, Tāmaki Makaurau to the Mōkau River in Taranaki. This terrritory is the heart of the Kingiitanga, a legacy of Māori unity and assertion of mana motuhake/ sovereignty, formed in 1858, led by chief Pōtatau Te Wherowhero.

In 1863, European soldiers invaded the Waikato resulting in the confiscation of 887,808 acres (3596 sq km) of Waikato territory. Waikato tribes were forced into what became known as the King Country.

In the 1920s and 1930s, Te Puea Hērangi led the revival of the Waikato people. Tūrangawaewae marae was built in Ngāruawahia which became the heart of the Kingitanga movement. In the years to follow, justice was sought for Waikato, and in 1995, the Waikato-Tainui raupatu claim came to conclusion, Waikato-Tainui iwi being the first iwi to settle its grievances with the Crown. The settlement delivered compensation and an apology from the Crown.

Today over 64,500 people affiliate with Waikato-Tainui tribe, with 68 marae from 33 hapū. Through the visions outlined in the Whakatupuranga 2050 (a 50 year long development approach) Waikato-Tainui iwi now progress the cultural, social, economic and environmental wellbeing of its people.

Raukawa iwi

Raukawa was the son of Māhinaarangi, a descendant of the Takitimu canoe and Tūrongo descendant of Tainui canoe.

Raukawa was named after the scented perfume of the Raukawa plant that his mother , Māhinaarangi ,used when courting his father, Tūrongo.

The ancestral home for Ngāti Raukawa is in the south Waikato and northern Taupō. In the 19th century, some members of the tribe moved south and settled in a second region stretching from Manawatū to Waikanae. Both areas are recognized as homelands for the tribe today.

By the twentieth century nearly 80% of the land within Raukawa area in the Waikato basin had been acquired by the Crown and private parties. After the second World War, many Ngāti Raukawa people moved to the cities.

In1975, Ngāti Raukawa initiated a 25 year tribal development plan “whakatupuranga rua mano- generation 200’ which saw the revitalisation of marae, Māori language and the establishment of a tribal university in Ōtaki.

In 2009, the Raukawa Settlement Trust was established as a vehicle to advance the aspirations of its members and to protect the value of Treaty Settlements for the benefit of present and future tribal members. The Raukawa Charitable Trust works with the Raukawa Settlement Trust to ensure effective guardianship and implementation of the Raukawa Environmental Management Plan. This plan outlines the visions and strategies for environmental and resource management issues.

Taku ara rā, ko Tūrongo, I wawaea kit e Tai-rāwhiti, Ko Māhinaarangi, ko te rua ra I moe ai a Raukawa; He Kāwei tautika mai ki ahau My path is Tūrongo Who went to the east; And Māhinaarangi in whose womb Raukawa slept.

A line direct to myself

Waikato River Waikato River flows from Mt Ruapehu, through Taupo into the Waikato and on to reach the sea at Port Waikato.

Generations of Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura have resided alongside the river developing tikanga and a profound respect for their awa and the life within.

In addition to eels, food species that were once abundant include whitebait, inanga, catfish, trout, river cod, freshwater crayfish, mullet, fresh water pipi and mussels, water fowls of all kinds and watercress. Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura also accessed the waterways to prepare the traditional fermented delicacy, kānga wai.

The Waikato River was the principal highway of trade for Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura. In addition to its role as part of the waka culture and transportation network, the river provided many resources including flax for weaving. Its flood plains and river valleys provided large areas of arable soils.

‘Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura supports any initiatives that restore the mauri, health and well-being of the awa tupuna, the ancestral river.’ The relationship of Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura to their river has developed over centuries. Waikato is the ancestral awa of the people, with its own mauri and spiritual integrity. The spiritual and cultural wellbeing of Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura are therefor inherently linked to that of their ancestral river.

Maungatautari When Tainui canoe landed in Aotearoa, the high preist, Rakataura, named Maungatautari from the first site of the mountain peak suspended above the clouds.

Mana whenua, mana kaitiaki, mana whakahaere has always been paramount to Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura in regards to Maungatautari.

Native species including birds, insects have been gifted by other Iwi to the mountain Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura aspire to see Maungatautari and its surrounding environs restored to full health-as it was in the times of their tupuna. “Our kaumatua have talked about restoring the dawn chorus to our sacred maunga.” (2015 Karaitiana Tamatea) Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura are actively involved in protecting and restoring Maungatautari alongside the Maungatautari ecological trust and community volunteers. The Ecological Island Trust is made up of three groups; the iwi, the community, and the land owners who are connected to the maunga. It is the largest ecological restoration project in Aotearoa.

Ngāti Korokī Kahukura Ngāti Korokī descend from Korokī, a descendant of the captain of the Tainui canoe, Hoturoa. Ngāti Kahukura descend from the ancestor, Kahukura. Together they form Ngati Korokī Kahukura related through common ancestry. Part of the Ngāti Korokī Kahukura rohe is located within the Waikato Raupatu Claim area established in 1995. They also hold customary interests in the Hinuera, Waipa and Huihuitaha blocks on the eastern side of the Waikato River. Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura have ancestral links to Waikato-Tainui and Raukawa Iwi.

Tamahere Hautapu Te Koutu Cambridge

Karapiro

During 1840’s and 1850’s, Ngāti Korokī Kahukura enjoyed successful trading and other prosperity.

Discouraged by increasing land alienation in the late 1850’s, they actively supported the establishment of the Kingitanga and placed their lands under the protection of the Maori King, at the same time their chief, Tioriori worked to maintain amiable relations with the Crown. War broke out in 1863 resulting in large areas of land confiscation and death and imprisonment of some of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, including the capture of their leader, Tioriori.

Through the processes of Native Land court law enforcements in the late 1800’s early 1900’s many tribal members became virtually landless.

Since the beginning, for Ngāti Korokī Kahukura, Maungatautari has been perceived as their tupuna, their ancestral mountain, and Waikato a living taonga, and a critical resources for the sustenence for their people. Today Ngāti Korokī Kahukura actively uphold the mana whenua, mana kaitiaki relationship with their ancestral landscapes by engaging in and implementing actions relating to the reviatlisation of their rohe/tribal area.

Te Miro Mangakawa Scenic reserve

Horahora

Ko Maungautari te marae

Rotoorangi

Pokaiwhenua

Ko Waikato te awa Ko Maungautari te maunga Waipa iti

Ko Pohara te marae Pukeatua Parawera

Putaruru

Arapuni

Ko Ngaati Korokii Kahukura te hapu

Ngaati Korokii Kahukura

area of mana whenua, mana whakahaere, mana kaitiaki

Wharepapa South

Waotu

status.

“Titiro whakakatau au, ko Maungatautari, Ko Ngāti Kokokī, Ko Arapuni rā, te rohe o te tuna e...From Karapiro I look south and to my right, and there is Maungatautari and Ngāti Koroki through to Arapuni, the domain of the eel.”

Project outline

Our main objective is to outline a proposed environmental enhancement plan where ecological, cultural and economical environs are considered as elements that are intrinsically linked. This strategy will be supported by case studies which show successful, ecologically resilient and culturally responsive projects relevant to Waikato. The overarching goal being an ecologically, culturally, and economically resilient design that will benefit the people of Ngﾄ》i Kokokﾄｫ Kahukura.

Landscape Character Figure 1. Show’s land that would have typically been native forest in the form of a vale, which has been re-purposed for pastureland. The slope on the left shows portions of erosion due to pasture animals, there are some portions of scrub (Species unknown). This land would typically be categorised as rolling pasture/undulating hills.

Figure 2. Show’s high erosion prone areas, where vehicles have made paths. Cliff faces at the rear of the photo, towards the front of the phone would be a stream way. This land is semi fenced off pastureland with insuffiecent filtration from pasture animals and an undeveloped edge effect.

Figure 3. Show’s fragmented forestsTypically native boarderd with fencing. between these fragments is grassland-which is for pasture animals, in the backdrop of the photo it shows larger fragments, this would be of pinus species which is used for forestry. In the immediate front of the photo it shows goursewhich is an invasive weed- Region wide irradication of this weed is currently in progress.

These photos are all taken in the Waikato in close proximity of Pohara marae. It shows the area has a high amount of dedication to pasture land/animals. Alot of the terrain is undulating with steep slopes and cliff faces.

Areas with steep slope are unvegetated and unable to be used as pasture for animals as it is unstable and eroding. Although most areas are protected with fencing, the vegetation inside the areas are unable to sustain long term land use in the surrounding areas.

Native Forest Pre 1840’s maps show that the Waikato region was over 90% covered in native forest, scrub-land and tussock.

In just over 150 years that percentage decreased to under 30%. The remainder of native forest has been fragmented –in Waikato these patches are smaller than 25 ha. Coromandel Ranges (appx 94,000) is the largest indigenous forest in Waikato -bordering the Waikato region is the Tongariro National Park, Kaimanawa Forest Park and Pureora Forest Park.

Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura identify the importance of ngahere native forest. The land provided a breading ground for native flora and fauna and was seen as many things; wananga, kapata kai, rongoa, (food cupboard, learning centres, the medicine cabinet, schools and spiritual domain.) Development and agricultural industrialisation have had extreme adverse effects resulting in the majority of land becoming pasture. With little or no forest shelter protecting the land and waterways, erosion and flooding have increased with adverse effects on soil and water quality.

At present existing indigenous forest is on steep, less productive mountainous terrain or slopes. This type of land was considered un-usable for development ie urban development, pasture or forestry. Remnant native forest patches have become like ‘fragmented forests’ which have potential for connectivity to other patches within the wider region. These are important for environmental longevity; water quality, soil health, and as ‘stepping stones’ for birds on their journey to larger forest. If protected and enhanced the networks of indigenous flora and fauna simultaneously offer opportunities for community enhancement such as; eco-tourism, seed stock, and recreational activity.

Nga repo- Wetlands Before 1840 most of the Waikato region was covered in native vegetation. An estimated 80% of wetlands in the Waikato were drained for farming. After 150 years of drainage, large wetlands have been lost or fragmented into smaller areas. Today most of the region’s wetlands are scattered and smaller than 50 ha.

Wetlands were culturally significant to NgÄ ti KokokÄŤ Kahukura.

Wetlands and waterways provide habitat and spawning ground for native plants, birds and fish, building and weaving materials such as raupo and harakeke, and rongoaa (medicines) and dyes. The re-establishment of wetlands will provide traditional food sources such as tuna (eels) whitebait, mullet and watercress, provide plants for cultural use, eg Harakeke, Raupo, Houheria. Wetlands also improve water quality, store carbon, and reduce the effects of floods. A wetland on the Pohara pa presently supports species including takahe, banded kokopu, giant kokopu and long finned tuna.

There are 24 species of freshwater wetland plants and animals threatened within the region due to draining of wetland areas for farming. Change in extent of freshwater wetlands potentially changes the diversity and compromises the support system for native wetland plants and animals. The adverse effects of nutrient enrichment from farm run-off and leaching, urban storm water discharges and pollution from industrial agriculture are identified as problems. Additionally, land drainage, animal grazing and exotoc plants contribute to the degradation of surviving wetlands.

Wetlands act like a sponge, soaking up excess flood water, then slowly releasing it to maintain summer water flows. The plants trap sediment, improving water quality. In riparian areas the roots of plants hold the soil together redusing erosion on stream banks.

Bacteria in the wetland soils help to break down nitrogen from farm run-off and leaching improving the quality of water.

1840 Wetlands Present Wetlands

Hydrology The Waikato River is the largest in New Zealand, spanning over 420 km’s where it’s main source is Lake Taupo and the mouth of Port Waikato. Electricity generated from the Waikato River goes into the National grid. Roughly 75 Million litres of water a day is being drawn from the river at Tuakau and piped for 28 km’s to feed 8% of Auckland’s daily water needs. The quantity of the water has almost doubled to 150 million to account for Auckland’s growth over the past several decades. ou Waih r

Rive

WaihouPiako

Waipa

ato Waik

r

ive Waipa R

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Rive

Today most of the land the Waikato flows through is farmland (62%). Large areas in the upper catchment are planted in pine (19%), but much is being converted to dairy pasture resulting in higher risk of sediment and nutrient input into the river. Just 10% of the catchment remains in native vegetation. Many chemicals and pollutants from farming, geothermal energy production, sewage plants, run off from roads, factories, rubbish, and storm water are collected in the Waikato. Measures are now being taken to limit and protect the river from pollution and degradation.

Te Puuaha o Waikato

Lower Waikato

Piako River

Data shows the Maungatautari receives and annual rainfall of 1400mm to 1600mm this would be the same for Pohara Marae, the aspect and slope of the surrounding terrain directs the flow of water through the vales into the Waipa and Waikato River. Infiltration from the surface water goes into surrounding catchments around the mountain, there are several catchments- one of which feeds a spring located near Pohara.

West Coast

R kau o M

iver

Upper Waikato

Taupo Moana

Catchments The Waikato River is New Zealand longest river, and is also arguably it’s most heavily used. It arises on the slopes of Ruapehu in the central North Island at an elevation of 2797 metres above mean sea level (amsl) where it begins as the Waikato stream.

The Waikato stream then joins the Tongariro River before entering Lake Taupo. At its exit to Lake Taupo the river becomes the Waikato River proper, and it travels northward from Taupo through a natural incised ignimbrite gorge. In its pre-developed state this reach was characterised by steep slopes, swift flows, and many raids. The river surface falls from 357 metre amsl at Taupo to 22 metres amsl at Karapiro.

The largest tributary of Waikato River is the Waipa which arises in the Rangitoto Ranges in the southern King Country and travels northwards via Otoroganga, Pirongia and Whatawhata to join the Waikato River at Ngaruawahia.

The adjacent map shows the catchments for Waikato Catchment, Waitete Catchment and Owairaka catchment. (“Waikato region”, 2008.)

GIS Analysis Land Use Capability Over the last 150 years people have made great changes to this land – forests have been cleared and wetlands drained.

In the Waikato, pastoral farming (58%) and exotic forestry (12%) are the main productive land uses. Also native forests and wetlands cover 28 percent of the Waikato region. Since 1840, about three quarters of the native vegetation has been converted to farms and exotic forests. (“Waikato regional council”, n.d.)

In addition, soil is a non-renewable resource. It takes thousands of years for rocks to weather into soils, and hundreds of years for rich organic matter to build up. Local residents welfare depends, to a large extent, on the soil and climate. Entire civilisations can rise and fall depending on their soil quality.

This means that making the best use of the land and soils is very important for local residents well being and survival.

To use the land wisely we have to understand soil. (“Waikato regional council”, n.d.)

On the this map, the land has been categorized into different levels. Through our LUC assessment , enables us to identify the limitations that currently exist throughout the landscape.

These categorizes will assist in the placement of sites for development. For example, we can establish the key areas for development with low to moderate limitations.

Scale: 1:100,000

Legend Waikato River

Moderate-low arable Land

Moderate arable Land

Highly-arable Land

Non-arable Land

Ecological Significance The Waikato region still contains numerous natural areas.

The area under analysis, before European settlement (around 1840) the only land in the Waikato region not covered by indigenous vegetation was areas of bare rock or permanent snow and ice. And forest covered 52 per cent of the region. Change in land use, for example to agriculture, plantation forestry and urban settlement, has required clearing indigenous vegetation. Today, 27 per cent of the region’s land area is in indigenous vegetation cover. The greatest loss of indigenous terrestrial (land-based) vegetation since 1840 occurred in the central Waikato lowlands. (“Waikato regional council”, n.d.)

Additionally, almost half of the remaining areas of native vegetation are not legally protected. Therefore these unprotected areas may still be at risk of being cleared for pasture or pine plantation. Drainage in nearby areas can affect wetlands even if the vegetation in the wetland is not cleared. (“Waikato regional council”, n.d.)

Maungatautari is located in the Waikato region in the central North Island of New Zealand and it is the largest ecological island on mainland New Zealand. Furthermore, the streams on the southern, eastern and northern slopes of Maungatautari flow into the Waikato River. (“Maungatautari ecological island trust”, 2010.) Those on the western slopes flow into the Waipa River, before joining the Waikato approximately 200 kilometres further downstream. (“Maungatautari Ecological Island Trust”, 2004) We simplified this map down to four vegetation categories which are indigenous forest, exotic forest, crops and farming.

Furthermore , one of the factors to consider is that revegetate to stop erosion on streamlets around farms which effects further down catchment such as mangroves growing at the estuary.

Legend

Waikato River

Indigenous forest

Grassland

Pohara marae

Exotic forest

Crops

Scale: 1:80,000 Scale: 1:80,000

Archaeological sites The vast majority of pre-European archaeological sites in New Zealand are located in coastal locations followed by navigable waterways.

For the inland Waikato, the Waikato River and its tributaries and gully systems were the main focus of movement, occupation and land use by early Maori. The river provided a navigable waterway in an area dominated by forest, and its adjacent land and stream systems provided the rich fertile soils for horticulture and fresh water supply. This is reflected in the fact that the vast majority of archaeological sites are recorded close to the river.

Scale: 1:100,000

Infrastructure A large proportion of infrastructure surrounding the Pohara Marae is roading, which is rural roads connecting small country towns, and also connecting to State Highway 1. There are a comprehensive road network, two main railway line and public transport network in the Waikato transport infrastructure. In addition, the Waikato region’s state highway network is high in traffic volumes Transport Waikato has a well-established and extensive transport network that supports the movement of freight and people by a range of modes. In general, the Region’s transport infrastructure is well-developed and able to meet current demands however there are specific localities where growth may place pressure on some aspects of the infrastructure.

Power Energy is currently generated within the region by 11 hydro power stations on the Waikato and Tongariro rivers, geothermal power plants, three thermal power plants at Huntly and three main co-generation plants. In addition to having the capacity to generate up to 20,425 GWh, the Waikato region is also a major corridor for electricity transmission. As many of the nation’s key electricity generation facilities are in the Waikato or to the south, much of New Zealand’s electricity is transported through the region. Additionally, There are close to 300 primary, intermediate and secondary schools across the region. Also it has open space which contribute to wellbeing, such as tourism and recreation. (“Waikato infrastructure inventory”, 2013.)

Scale: 1:100,000

Slope The undulating terrain of Waikato country is said to be caused by several eruptions from lake Taupo. A large portion of Waikato’s terrain is rolling pasture with relatively flat ridge lines. Maungatautari varies in slope from gentle rolling hills at its base to sheer gradients near the peaks and in the vales. Ngāti Kokokī Kahukura Marae is situated about 5 km from the base of Maungatautari.

The Waikato river meanders through the landscape -the majority of the land adjacent to the river is relatively flat.

Steep terrain in some areas of the Waikato along with low lying flood plains and high rainfall causes recurrent flooding. Damming in the area contributes further to the risk of flooding.

Legend Waikato River 15° Slope +

Hillshade

Scale: 1:100,000

Aspect The area of interest shows a fragmented ecological boarders divided by ridgeline’s and natural elements.

One of these boarders is Maungatautari (797 meters) which has a system of ridgelines. The ridgelines that run West lead into the Waipa River, those on the southern, eastern and northern flow directly to the Waikato river.

Scale: 1:100,000

Environmental enhancement: strategy map

Areas identified for revegetation.

Erosion prone areas (slope of 15 degrees or more Riparian buffers (along stream edges).

Degraded soil

Fertile soils Waikato awa

Analysis summary

Ecology

The majority of the Waikato consists of rolling pasture with small fragmented patches of forest sculpted by the largest river in Aotearoa, Waikato awa. Typically blocks of forest larger than 25ha+ would be of pinius radiata or other popular forestry trees. The Waikato river slices through the terrain which is mainly where settlements have formed, the largest of which is Hamilton- Population appx. 140,000, Main types of land use include pastoral farming and exotic forestry, contributing to the majority of the export market.

Care for soils and waterways are extremely important for sustaining current land use types in a high producing farming and forestry region. The area is rich in significant cultural sites most of which reside on the banks of the Waikato river and few at the base of Maungatautari. A few of these sites- mainly burial sites were flooding with the creating of the dams along the Waikato river. Power-lines extend from the dams throughout the landscape.

Birds

Native plantings along river banks and streams, swamps and forest networks will enable connectivity and flight paths for native birds between Pohara pa, Maungatautari, and Waikato awa. Aspirations of Ngﾄ》i Korokﾄｫ Kahukura to return to the optimum state of well being as exemplified in the dawn chorus in the time of their ancestors will therefor be realised.

Native Forest

Native forest provide sustenance for native species, the loss of native bush in the area has had a detrimental effect on fauna, any remaining species taking refuge in forest fragments. Maungatautari being in close proximity will help to bring birdlife back into lower reforested areas.

Riparian Planting

Native planting along stream edges are very minimal in the Waikato. Re-establishment of riparian zones will improve soil quality, water health, and the wellbeing of native fauna in the waterways.

Land Potential Organic Farming As the economy of the area is extremely reliant on large corperations such as Fonterra; organic farming provides a means for transitioning the exsisting products into Organic Dairy with the potiential for future development into a range of other produce potentialities.

Eco-tourism This trend of tourism is become widely popular gllobally. This method of tourism fits perfectly into New Zealand’s natural environment and culture. There are numerous field’s/branches of Eco-tourism some of which are used in the region already such as mountain biking and kayaking. There are opportunities for these to be developed by Ngati Koroki Kahukura along with regeneration projects such as Maungatautari, and water sport activities at Karapiro.

Revegetation; Opportunities & Constraints Opportunities

Constraints

-Collaborate with Maungatautari regeneration project -Collaborate with other hapu members, land owners.

-Revegetation of un-usable land -Revegetation of stream-ways, 50m buffers.(fencing to protect plantings).

-Development of Eco-Tourism with trails.(Connect with existing trail project).

-Private land ownership -Heavily eroded banks -Pests, pasture animals and weeds -Maintenance of revegetation -Cost -Management

Development plan Our strategy has been based on the idea of successional planning, and values embodied in the concept of ‘Mauri Tu’; to grow, prosper and sustain.

We have evolved the term to fit the landscape and propose a plan of regeneration and landscape enhancement that develops slowly through transitional stages spanning 25 years with th idea of them being generational phases of change. The overarching goal is to sustain the land , so that in turn, activities that support the people will also enable people to support one another. Longevity and wellbeing of both land and people being core principles within the concept of Mauri Tu. Stage one: Involves planning and initiation of riparian planting along stream edges, and revegetation in areas of degraded soil prone to erosion.

Stage two: Organic Farming, developing alongside landscape regeneration-both activities supporting one another as outlined in the case studies provided.

Stage three; After a period of 10 - 25yrs organic certification will be achieved, landscape and waterways will be protected and enhanced.

Potentiality for the development of eco/ cultural tourism opportunities will prosper.

1840 Native Forest

1950 Agriculture

2065

2040

2015 2016

2040 Organic Farming Revegetation Transitional phase

2065 Mauri Tu: Protect, Maintain, Enhance

Case studies “We will act as a beacon of hope and prosperity for our people�

Tuaropaki Trust- Miraka Pastoral- dairy and beef.

The Tuaropaki Trust is a Maori trust located south of Lake Taupo where pastoral farming is a core activity. The 3,410 ha farm produces beef and lamb, and milk from its dairy herd.

The Trust also operates a worm farm, nursery and honey production as part of its rural operations. The dairy facilities are powered by geothermal energy belonging to the trust.

Information technology plays an integral part of the farming operations and is utilised where possible to ensure the farming operations perform at optimal capacity.

Glass house

Dairy and beef farming Milk solids produced by the dairy unit are contracted to supply to Miraka. High quality genetic dairy animal replacement, improved feed management and cost reductions per cow have been a recent operational focus.

A concentration on producing quality beef has emerged.

The Trust has also established its own auction facilities on site as a new channel to market. Feed strategies and stock management are continually evolving for the Station.

Ngaire George Sustainability Centre The Sustainability Centre which was spearheaded by the late Ngaire George integrates sustainable practises of the geothermal power station, the Miraka milk plant, and MĹ?kai glasshouses alongside worm farms, farmland, a native plant nursery and newly established bee hives.

This case study may provide a useful model for the Pohara marae.

Pastoral Farming

“Organics and Farm Forestry-A Natural Synergy?” (2007 NZFFA) Mike Moss and Madeline Rix-Trott Koraha Farms, Waitutuna Valley. Raglan, Hamilton.

Organic beef, lamb and dairy.

Waterways & wetlands planted with natives

Mike and Madeline have been an inspiration for many of the organic dairy farmers in the Waikato. They are now fully certified after switching to organics 13 years ago.

Now Moss is milking fewer cows, working less and making a lot more money. On visiting a top organic farm, he was inspired to change after struggling to remain profitable under conventional farming methods.

The three main underpinning goals of the farming operation include being socially, environmentally and financially sustainable. He has planted hundreds of trees on his property and has planted 14km of waterways and wetlands. Degraded areas have been retired to Manuka or trees and goats are being used to manage gorse. There are plans to utilize Manuka for honey and oils.

Water qualty and flood control is enhanced

Animal health has improved since the change with the animals health bill dropping from $60.00 per cow to around $5 - $10 per cow.

They found that by looking after the soils, the health of the animals improved. Moss mainly sells Fonterra, and also at the farm gate and local co-ops for $2 per litre. Mike and Madeline hope to provide a model that shows that a small family farm can work. With 140 cows supporting the family, they making a profit with a low payout.

“The overall impression gained was of a farm well managed, with healthy contented stock and natural features protected and enhanced by a variety of plantings.” (Cullen, Neil. 2007) Cullen, Neil (2007)’ Organics and Farm Forestry- A Natural Synergy?’ NZFFA. Further reading: http://www.nzffa.org.nz/farm-forestry-model/resourcecentre/tree-grower-articles/tree-grower-august-2007/organics-and-farmforestry---a-natural-synergy/

A mixture of nutritious grasses.

Animals self- medicate and are provided with shade from plantings of Harakeke(Flax), Poplar, Oak, Paulownia and Alder.

Plantings for shade and self medication.

Janette Perrett, Waikato, New Zealand Organic Dairy Farming As a family dedicated to dairy farming all their lives, they’ve witnessed various health problems occurred to their animals, such as milk fever, eczema, bloat, and severe worm infestations. However, now it has been categorized as organic. It was in the second year after their organic conversion began seven years ago that the Agriculture New Zealand Go Organic course was recommended to her.

Learning to describe their present farming system as monocultural environment was memorable as was planning for the development of a polycultural system. Apart from that, she was also introduced to biodynamics, the ultimate in organics.

Janette has decided to make her family farm organic and really understood organic dairy farming by taking the course and field visit. They listened to a beekeeper and had a field day to make a compost heap.

In addition, she opened the eyes by learning their soils and all its inhabitants. Also Janette has realized that six senses are important in observing soil and cow. She has started to walk the farm smelling soil, tasting clover and listening water, cows.

The course so far has enabled them to propagate plants, assess their soil with the VSA (visual soil assessment) system, demonstrate water use related to land usage and produce their own liquid fertiliser, to name a few. All in all, it has been a fantastic course to participate in, since it has given her the confidence to introduce the lessons into their farming system and to teach others. (“Organic NZ”,2013) Janette has achieved success on organic dairy farming. They have used Effective Micro-organisms with success including in the soil, effluent pond, as a teat spray and also around the home and garden. (“EMNZ”, 2015)

The Bank’s Peninsula Track, Akaroa, Canterbury, South Island/Te Wai Pounamu New Zealand Eco-tourism The banks peninsula walking trails consist of several different walking tracks running through different terrain, for longer walking 1+ day’s they offer guides to walk the trails with you, they also offer self catering places to stay with options for allocated camping areas on the trails. Mountain biking trails are also available although at an intermediate and advanced level. (greenfolder, 2013)

Bank Peninsula bike trails

The Bank’s Peninsula area is governed by DOC, the reserve was once a rich mosaic of native plant’s and species. Although now there are few remaining fragments of indigenous forest for plant’s and bird’s. The area has a high amount of grassland, with forests slowly regenerating themselves.

Department of Conservation has many affordable camp sites on offer, including the trails. These help for the upkeep of the Bank’s Peninsula area. Including the mountain bike trails it offers a diversity of activities and landscapes whilst bring income into the area. (DOC, 2015)

Self-catering accomodation, provided by farmers

Farmers in the area have converted portions of their land into self-catering accommodation, which has become successful with alterations to their management practices.

This case study substantiates eco-tourism as an economical and beneficial option for cultural eco-tourism ventures for local farmers in the area. (Stephen Franks, 2012)

Banks Peninsula lookout

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Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc. (2016). ‘Ko Waikato te iwi.’ Retrieved from: http://www.waikatotainui.com/about-us/history/ Waikato-Tainui Te Kauhanganui Inc. (2016). ‘Mana whakahaere.’ Retrieved from: http://www.waikatotainui.com/about-us/history/ Ministry for Culture and Heritage (2014) ‘The Waikato-Tainui Claim’ Retrieved from: http://www.nzhistory.net.nz/politics/treaty/the-treaty-in-practice/waikato-tainui Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal. ‘Ngāti Raukawa - Early history’, Te Ara - the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, updated 15-Nov-12 URL: http://www.TeAra.govt.nz/en/whakapapa/224/raukawa-genealogy Te Ahukaramū Charles Royal. ‘Ngāti Raukawa-Early History’, Te Ara-the encyclopedia of New Zealand (2015).

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