Ngati Koroki Kahukura
Pohara an ecological restoration
Ko Maungatautari tō mātou maunga Ko Waikato tō mātou awa tūpuna Ko Ngāti Koroki Kahukura mātou Ko Maungatautari, ko Pōhara ōu mātou marae Our mountain is Maungatautari Our ancestral river is Waikato We are Ngāti Koroki Kahukura Our marae are Maungatautari and Pōhara
Contents Objective Client Brief Potential Strategy Connections and cirrculation Land form Drainage patterns Vegetation Patterns Strategy exploration Design Statement Master Plan Cross section Perspectives Onsite water catchment Cultural plant recognition Planting Scheme References
Sharon Eccleshall
Objective To develop, encourage and grow the ecological state of both the land and the people of Ngati Koroki Kahukura. To create a design stragety that reflects Mana whenua prinicples and values in terms of a holistic approach to land use whilst supporting and enhanceing the dynamic processes and systems of the cultural landscape.
Client and Brief Ngati Koroki Kahukura has important traditional relationships amongst each other and their cultural landscape, and it is of importance to them being able to execute kaitiakitanga over their land and resources. This aim of this brief is to provide Ngati Koroki Kahukura Trust witih opportunties for ecological and cultural restoration of the scared puna at Pohara Marae. The master plan will also suggest opportunities for future community growth, cultural enhancement and spatial design to enhance the Mauri of Land, Air and water. Design and Land Activites will reflect and respect the mauri and spiritual integrity of the Awa tupuna, the ancestral river, and Maunga maungatautari which are living Taonga to the people of Ngati Koroki Kahukura. Incorporated into the design will be: 1. Additonal accomodation 2. Opportunties for economic growth 3. Systems to protect natural resources 4. Enhancement through vegetation
Initial exploration was to work towards a strategy to assist Ngati Koroki Kahukura in creating a resilient landscape within their rohe that can provide for their whanau in terms of access to resources, production of food and an ecomonic return that will support a rural lifestyle. The result highlighted potential strategies which could provide cultural services that provide a variety of benefits to the people of Pohara Marae from ecosystems such as spiritual enrichment, recreation, and asthetic experiences. Key features to be represented, enhanced or protected: - Whakapapa - Mana - Maunga: Maungatautari - Awa Tupuna: Waikato River - Stream - Puna narrative - Cliff narrative - Cultural landscape features - Freshwater food resources - Tuna - Koura
‘te rohe o te tuna’ the region of the plentiful eel
Context This map shows the relationship between landscape features and the potential of activating a connection of these with the site. Connections explored are focused around the ability to walk or cycle. Waka experience currently active, retracing tribe migration and trading routes along the waikato, could be connected to the Pohara Marae by activating the track taken by foot completing this journey. Guests could be treated to refreshments and entertainment and have the option of staying onsite in through the creation of wetland retreat chalets. 11 km
3.7 km
4.3 km
Walking tracks Walking tracks are based on the average human walking 5km per hour (3.1 miles). 10 mins per kilometer at a speed of 6km per hour (healthy person) Naismiths rule: - 4mph on level ground plus 1m per contour up or down. Pohara to Maungatautari northern enclosure = 11km (2hour walk) Pohara to Waikato = 4.3km (1hour walk) Pohara loop track = 3.7km (45min walk) All dependant on gradient of walking paths and health of person.
Maungataurtari has a connecting route from the north to south enclosure creating another opportunity for enthusiasts to be taken on guided walks from site directly to either santuary enclosure for a loop return track. The track can layer upon riparian margins with consent from land owners and council, making it possible for this connection without interfering with land use activities.
Landform Maungatautari region is isolated within an argicultural landscape of exotic rolling green pastures and patterns of shelterbelts. The landscape has distinctive imprints of terraces and banks from the Waikato riverine systems movement. The land of this region has been carved by water and filled with sediment. The topography shows the scars of historic water paths which have left terraces, banks and creavices. Kaumatua narratives tell of the depth of ash covering the site which also has contributed to the characteristics of the land. . The narrative of the cliffs embracing the site are said to reflect the faces of ancestors watching over the tribe. These cliffs not only provide spiritual protection but also environment attributes such as protection from prevaling weather elements and the unique ecosystem which thrives in the nutrient rich runoff surrounding the base. The access to the top of these cliffs provides cultural view shafts of the landscape towards the living Taonga of the Waikato and Maungatautari. The creation of safe walkways for whanau to access these areas would be of spiritual importance.
Contour Map
Drainage patterns The quality and quantity of water is influenced by the hydrological cycle and its distrubances. Everything within a drainage basin has the potential to either support or compromise the health of the waterways associated with it. The intensive land use of the waikato region is compromising not only the health of the waterways but also the quantity of the water available as a resource.
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Accumulation Water Map The Flow direction and accumulation maps have influenced the design by suggesting where water naturally travels onsite and pools onsite. This allows us to make assumptions as to where to place raingardens and greywater retention ponds giving opportunities for managing the disposal and use of waste water.
To improve the ecological health of the puna and the adjacent stream the site has been analyised in terms of identifying areas influential land use, land cover and overland flow paths within the catchment area. Research into historical landcover shows that this area was largely covered in shrublands and ephemeral waterbodies. Ephemeral waterbodies are in critical danger and most are subject to weed invasion. These waterbodies are vital natural resources that help with water management in terms of flow velocity and nutrient deposits. Since these areas are easily drained, after human settlement most of these areas have been modified to accomodate a change in land use. The change in land use has affected the drainage basins and in turn the health of streams and rivers. Large areas of compacted ground from farming, impervious surfaces from structures also increase surface runoff of sediment, minerals and nutrients into streams. The stream adjacent to Pohara Marae comes from a groundfed puna. This Puna is an ephemeral waterbody, charged by precipitation and is influenced by land use and land cover. The overall health of this Puna has an effect on the quality and quantity of the stream. Farming practises can contribute to the ecological integrity of a drainage basin through diversity of land use and cover.
The ecological integrity of a landscape can be measured through anaylsising the size, diversity, type, structure, context and distrubance of vegetation areas. To improve the ecological value of the landscape the site has been anaylised in terms of the existing vegetation cover and patterns. The structure and size of the vegetation cover plays an important role in the suitablity for wildlife habitats increasing the diversity of wildlife within the landscape. The larger the patch size the greater the diversity of wildlife and the more persistent the patch. The perimeter edges of the patches are influenced by the type of land use bordering the patch. The more important the ecological patch or corridor the greater the focus on buffering it from adjacent land use. Buffering can be achieved through compatible land use types and vegetation. The suitablity of the buffer will influence whether there is an increase in edge effect resulting in a reduction of the interior core area. It is also noted that some species prefer interior habitats whilst others prefer the edges where there is a blend of land cover. Some adjacent land use could benefit forest reminants by drawing out pests who prefer the conditions of the edges. Therefore it can be assumed that exotic species can provide ecological benefits, however they are not as important to wildlife native species as habitat. (Cook)
Vegetation fragments
Vegetation patterns The site forms part of the lowland winter feeding grounds, a halo effect from Maungatautari. It is important to assist the restoration project for native fauna by restoring these feeding grounds to provide alternative food and habitats when maungatautari reaches capacity. Additional riparian planting, planting of overland flow paths, roadsides and under shelterbelts will assist in recharging the puna’s groundwater source whilst helping to control sediment runoff and the creation of a functional green corridor which strengthens a cultural link from Tupuna Awa Waikato and Maungatautari. The stream adjacent to pohara is significant in size and any enhancing/ strengthening native vegetation added along these edges would add significant value to the flora and fauna without limiting availability of productive land for farming.
Maungatautari
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2K
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Pohara Marae
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Sourced from the LINZ Data Service and licensed for re-use under the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 New Zealand licence
Halo effect of Maungatautari
EPHEMERAL WETLANDS Protect areas of ephemeral wetlands through vegetation to restrict exotic weed growth, particularly gorse, pines and pasture weeds and grasses. Based on research it is suggested to remove the nut trees from the small tributaries onsite where water accumulates, to allow better management of water resource. (landcarereseachconz,2016)) WATER Revitalise quality and quantity of water supply onsite through restoration of vegetation to reduce evaportrans, mitigation from farming land and utilisation of grey water collection.
Hugelkultur Beds Wood is layed down, mounded and covered with dirt and other organic matter. As the wood rots wihin the bed, its capacity to hold water increases, while also naturally creating types of beneficial fungi and a habitat for various worms and micro-organisms. The soil is enriched and the need for watering decreases.
CULTURAL LANDSCAPE Connect the site to sites of signifigance through the creation of walkway tracks and viewing areas for respite. Locations of significance that have been incorporated into the design are the pa site’s on top of the cliffs, adjacent stream, puna, Lake Karapiro, Maungatautari and the Waikato river. LAND CARE Diversify the land use, with a collection of land crops, small stock animals, and rotate species to help keep a balance of nutrients and minerals in the soil for continued use. Refer to permaculture strategies. Riparian margins 25 - 50m margin preferred to protect waterbodies. This sketch explores using the outer 25m of riparian margin for resource plantations, e.g manuka or harakeke. However young forests could also be beneficial as when young they uptake the most nitrogen from the soil and carbon.
Exploration into the following elements:
- Raingardens - Mixing of orchards and livestock - Rotation of fields - Viewing platfroms - Connection walkways to landscape - Points of access to stream - Areas suitable for resource planting
Design exploration The overall design is influenced by research into the cultural landscape that Pohara Marae sits within, rather than the council boundaries and Kaitiak​itanga the MÄ ori world view that we are part of the natural world. Te Aranga Design principles Mauri Tu and Taiao to protect, enhance and maintain the land are reflected in the revegetation stragety allowing for a wider integration into the extended landscape to enhance the natural cycle of ecosystems. The majority of native replanting proposed follows the spring overflow path and catchment down to the stream adjacent to site, making a sweeping connection which can be picked up and continued through neighbouring properties.
Cabins Made from locally grown materials, these cabins have small footprints and are slightly elevated. One main window which faces north to capture the warmth of the sun. Potential idea to use a lot of woven flax in the design of these, could reference the panels at karipiro.
The attributes and values of Ngati Koroki Kahukura, the asthetics of their environment are the building blocks for an opportunity to share and educate whanau and visitors on values and benefits of enhancing and protecting land and resource use . Worldwide study has lead to a growing concern regarding the health and wellbeing of the next generation. The connectivity of the site to community projects such as Maungatuaturi Sanctuary and the Agricultural industry on their doorstep could provide opportunities to educate the future generations about sustainabiliy living from the land whilst maintaining a balance with the systems and functions of the land.
Harhar Rather than fences, could potentially look into the creation of harhar’s. These could double as rentention wetlands or treatment ponds. This would help to fence areas without disrupting the asthetics of the open space, as from a distance it will still look open.
This strategy supports the idea that the abillity for communities to source and grow local organic food are of great importance, therefore the design is structured towards managing the land to protect and enhance the resources of the site and surrounding environment. The stature of the surrounding cliffs and the bordering streams give a sense of isolation to the site. These natural features are enhanced in the design since they provide sources of water and shelter from prevaling weather elements and potential contaiminents from surrounding land use activities making it possible for the community to move towards an organic livestyle.
Pohara ecological strategy to Maungatautari Create a cultural link to the living toanga of Maungatautari and the Waikato river through a green corridor and walkway.
Help ensure the longevity of the puna onsite through water management and revegetation of catchment area.
Pohara Marae View through valley to Maungatautari
Provide access to adjacent stream for cultivation and harvest of food resources such as koura, koaro and kainga pirau.
to Tupuna Awa Waikato River
Master plan Riparian planting Overland flow paths Additional vegetation
Orchards/ small agriculture
Cultural Garden Resource Areas
Existing Nut Trees to stay
Gator / Walkway Tracks
Additional accomodation (>10m2 small footprint)
View platforms
Water collection
Foot bridges
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The design stragey is simple and follows a permicultural path toward Mauri Tu. An increase in diversity of species onsite will attract a variety of animals which will pivot the site closer towards environmental health. New planting will restore the wetlands surrounding the puna onsite, the addition of a small forest/s and an increase in land use diversity will help to enhance the Taiao through the protection and enhancement of the waterways, land and air. Planting arrangement and artwork will creatively express the narratives of Iwi (Mahi Toi) New walkways, areas of landscaping, views are identified with totem poles and are to be named by Iwi to recognise Whakapapa, for example: - Pollen corridors (riparian margins) - Wetland chalets - Tuna valley Viewing platforms and carved totems will assist in acknowledgeing ancrestral sites and cultural landmarks within the proposed development. These sites and landmarks have influenced and enhanced the design spatially, for example the direction of orchard rows and the choices of plant species to frame and enhance areas of importance rather than cover them up (Tohu)
Cross section Cross section showing the location of additional accomodation
Wetland Chalets
Spatially arranged for an amount of privacy with a northern aspect. The additional accomodation has the ability to provide short-term housing for whanau or visitors. Separated from the main papakainga housing it could be marketed as a retreat.
Perspectives Land use diversity
Orchards are arranged to create view shafts of the cliffs. Suggested use of heritage grade plants and smaller stock such as sheep and chickens (smaller footprints, less damage) The chickens are a pesticide free alternative for weed and pest control and the sheep are fertilizing lawnmowers. To manage land use activities to protect the tributaries of the Waikato river to prevent further degradation of the Awa Tupuna. Some agricultural activities are heavy users of water for irrigation and feeding of stock, through careful management and diversification of land use this pressure on the water supply can be relieved.
Onsite water catchment For both grey water collection and septic systems, it is important to only use biodegradable products. Chemicals and even antibiotics can kill the bacteria used to breakdown waste. The aim is to keep as much water going back into the land so it can recharge the groundwater which feds into the spring. All greywater and blackwater systems must meet Council system guidelines to prevent health hazards. Harvested water can be used during dry seasons to feed wetlands.
Cultural recognition
Raukaua edgerleyi (Ruakawa Plant)
Harakeke Plant
Manuka and Kanuka Forest
The Ruakawa plant is symbolic of love. The leaves were infused into the oil of the hinau tree to make a perfume, worn by Mahinaarangi, a famous East Coast ancestor. It was this scent which allowed her beloved Turongo of Waikato to identify her. They were married and named their first child Raukawa after this scent. He is the founding ancestor of hte Ngati Ruakawa tribe.
The harakeke (flax) plant represents the whÄ nau (family) in MÄ ori thought. The rito (shoot) is the child. It is protectively surrounded by the awhi rito (parents). The outside leaves represent the tĹŤpuna (grandparents and ancestors). (retrieved from http://www.teara.govt.nz/en/ diagram/13162/harakeke-plant)
Manuka and Kanuka forests could play an important role towards the health of the land through nitrogen uptake and carbon storage. The initial establishment of trees is when they have the biggest uptake of nitrogen, suggesting that forests can be beneficial for land previously used for pasture. Manuka grows quickly is easy to harvest and use on small scale farms for fencing, food smoking, and for its health properties.
Constraints: As with Beech trees when heavily fruiting there is a resultant boom in rat population will can become a huge threat to our native birds and insects. This just means that maintenance needs to be more active during this fruiting season to combat an increase in pests e.g. rat bait.
The flax plant is a versatile medium, being used for linen and other apparel such as string, baskets and fishing nets. The oil, sap and seed can be used and native birds are fond of the nectar.
(Whitehead, 2016)
Holistic planting
The idea is that the planting scheme will be based on permeculture principles, creating an organic holistic approach to food production. The consequences of farming is the pressures on the water systems, hence larger stock are not sustainable in terms of the pressures expected through climate change. In terms of orchards, reseach suggests that larger trees will be more resilient in the expected climate change to affect New Zealand than dwarf varieties as they are more drought tolerant. Nut trees and legumes can provide a sources of protein that are kinder to the environment in terms of production. Permaculture principles to be considered: - “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.” Use and value diversity - “Use small and slow solutions” Systems should be designed to perform functions at the smallest scale that is practical and energy-efficient for that function. - “Obtain a yield” There is no point in attempting to plant a forest for the grandchildren if we haven’t got enough to eat today.
Riparian Zone Planting
The Puna is an ephermal waterbody implying that it is charged by precipitation. Plants selected for around the spring need to take into consideration that the area will at times be dry. Plants that prefer moist conditions need shade to help them withstand these dry periods. Certain weeds flourish in these conditions, so regular maintainenance will be required to monitor and remove these weeds until the native vegetation has established and provided conditions not as suitble for the weed growth. Plants who have a great uptake of nitrogen would be beneficial to help balance the use of fertilizers on neighbouring properties. Distribution Carex sinclairii
Habitat
Endemic. New Zealand. Waikato River delta Coastal to alpine. In freshwater wetlands, under Rhizomatous. and Hauraki plains. Nuts surrounded by inflated willow in gully systems, along river and stream utricles are dispersed by granivory and wind banks. Preferring fertile to mid-fertile wetlands. (nzpcnorgnz,2016))
Phormium cookianum (Mountain Flax) Raukaua edgerleyi
Marattia salicina (King fern) carpodetus
Features
Tree 10-12 m tall
Likes damp soils and a semishaded situation, but in cooler and wetter climates it will grow in exposed situations. (nzpcn.org.nz)
Planting Schemes
Ephemeral Wetland Zone Planting
As a critically endangered ecosystem, it is important to manage and maintain this natural occuring area onsite which is prone to weed invasion from neighbouring land use activities. It is recommended that this area take priority in terms of restoration, that exotics be removed from this zone and a maintenance programme be developed to ensure the sucess and longevity of this fragile ecosystem. Distribution Carex sinclairii
Habitat
Features
Endemic. New Zealand. Waikato River delta Coastal to alpine. In freshwater wetlands, under Rhizomatous. and Hauraki plains. Nuts surrounded by inflated willow in gully systems, along river and stream utricles are dispersed by granivory and wind banks. Preferring fertile to mid-fertile wetlands. (nzpcn.org.nz)
Apodesmia similis OiOi
Wet or dry. WIll be more upright in north aspect
Inanga spawning habitat
Carex sector Marattia salicina (King fern)
Can be grown from spores but very slow. Current conservation status - at risk - declining
Favouring lowland, karst habitats and dark stream Starchy base was a traditional food for the sides, often amongst supplejack and parataniwha. Maori.
Slope/ Erosion Zone Planting
Plants that will assist with slope stability. Distribution
Habitat
Features
Coprosma repens (Taupata) Cordyline australis (Cabbage tree/Ti kouka) Manuka/ Kanuka Kawakawa (Coprosma rhamnoides)
Shrub
Coprosma virescens Karamu (Coprosma robusta)
colour. would create lightweight screening Shrub
Maungatautari: Photo taken by Shaorn Eccleshall
Planting Schemes Plants to improve Halo effect from Maungatautari (Haloorgnz,2016) Description
Habitat
Features
Five finger (pseudopanax arboreus)
Many native birds, particularly the smaller ones, Prefers sunnier, north facing slopes. Produces clusters of small white flowers visit the five-finger both for flowers and fruits Male and female plants. Male plants will only in late winter, which are followed by small e.g whitehead and silvereye. Relies on birds for produce flowers. black fruits in early autumn of the following pollenation and seed dispersal. year.
Tree fuchsia (native) (Fuchsia excorticata)
Produces flowers and fruits that are relished by Tree fushsia prefers shaded streambeds and wetter The flowers are followed by fruits that look birds. Fuchsia flowers are especially prized by south-facing slopes. a bit like little black sausages. tui and bellbirds. Relies on birds for pollenation and seed dispersal.
Pate (Schefflera digitata)
Large palm shaped leaves. Relies on birds for Prefers sunnier, north facing slopes. pollenation and seed dispersal.
Hangehange (Geniostoma ligustrifolium)
Short statured shrub. Thin papery leaves. Relies More suited to shadier shelter conditions, plant in Produces small white flowers in spring, on birds for pollenation and seed dispersal. the shade of other plants. visited by smaller birds such as silvereye. Fruits are unusual in the form of dry woody capsules that ripen in summer.
Flax (Phormium tenax)
Flax produces wind-dispersed seeds, which are Like the karamu, flax also likes it out in the open, ignored by seed dispersing birds. Kakariki will rather than in the shade like hengehenge.
Karamu (Coprosma robusta)
Wind pollinated. Karamu has thick tough leaves Thick tough leaves better adapt them to sunnier It has a long fruiting season from early and orange fruit. conditions which also induce them to produce huge autumn to late winter, which is a particularly fruit crops for their stature. Similar to five finger, it difficult time for song birds. can be male flowering or female: fruiting.
Pate produces flowers and fruits on long, droopy stems. Saddlebacks prize both the flowers and fruit above all other native plant species.
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