Ara-Wai Whakahau
Improving our waterways
The Ara-Wai Whakahau project was funded by the Provincial Growth Fund to achieve both environmental and social outcomes.
On a fundamental level the project aimed to improve the quality of waterways on the three farms under Ngāti Awa Group Holdings Ltd (NAGHL). The community aim is to provide economic growth and potential through redeployment and training opportunities within the wider Whakatāne area.
Overview: 2021
2021 included the mass eradication of plant pests through spray release and manual removal over 9ha of farm.
There has been the erection of 75km of fence lines along paddock waterways to eliminate stock access, resolving stock waste. The planting of natives results in an effective filtration system as their roots act as a natural sieve to catch waste. These measures will ensure the drastic reduction in chemical, faecal and sediment pollution to the waterways, leaving fresh water for the farm and fish livelihood.
Overview: 2022
2022 involves the completion of the remainder of works from 2021 and pest (animal and plant) eradication of newly identified areas both on the farm and in the community.
Final Outcome
The Ara-Wai Whakahau project, completed in September 2022, laid a strong foundation for our workforce development initiatives. Building on this success, the Project Management Office continues to prioritise employment continuity and career advancement for our kaimahi. We remain committed to expanding professional portfolios and enhancing employment prospects through targeted training programmes, pre-apprenticeship initiatives, and redeployment opportunities. Our ongoing efforts aim to support our workforce in securing sustainable employment, thereby contributing to the growth and vitality of the local economy.
Success Story
Morrison Fencing and the team started the fencing portion of the Ara-Wai Whakahau project in March 2021.
Rawiri has had the privilege of teaching and mentoring three apprentices from the Ara-Wai over the project. They are very hard working and this is shown through their mahi and competency in all ground works of fencing.
To date the team have completed over 72km of fencing with a mixture of 3 wire electric to 8 wire post and batten.
“We feel very honored and privileged to have this amazing opportunity and being a registered Ngāti Awa pakihi”
Dayna & Rawiri Morrison.
Ngāti Awa House
4-10 Louvain Street,
PO Box 76
Whakatāne 3158
0800 464 284
07 307 0760
runanga@ngatiawa.iwi.nz