Lifetime Iwi partnership delivers significant conservation work
A “lifetime” partnership between iwi-led environmental restoration group Wairere Mahi and Rayonier Matariki Forests will deliver significant rewards to the sacred area surrounding Killarney Lakes in the Kaimai Mamaku.
The Killarney Lakes are a natural wonder, situated between Matamata and Te Aroha close to the Maurihoro Track (Thompson Track). The lakes are estimated to be 70 metres deep and originally home to barking eels that could be heard through the night.
Initially, the partnership is focused on pest control and tree planting in a seven hectare area surrounding Killarney Lakes., which is a small portion of the 723.5-hectare block of Ngāti Hinerangi land leased by Rayonier Matariki Forests.
Rayonier Matariki Forests Bay of Plenty Forest Manager, Rob Schoonderwoerd, says this partnership is about kaitiakitanga (guardianship) and whanaungatanga (connection).
“It’s not just about getting rid of pests or growing more native trees. For us, this is a lifetime partnership with Ngāti Hinerangi. Ultimately, we’re all only here for a short time and we want to leave the land better than we found it”.
To kick-start the initial two-year investment, three Wairere Mahi kaimahi (workers) placed tracking tunnels to identify what pest species are present and will then place audio monitors to ascertain what taonga species of birds and bats are present.
Tim Aoake, Wairere Mahi General Manager, says this mahi is intergenerational.
“Our tūpuna (ancestors) are shining down on us right now. They’re happy we’re back on the whenua and being kaitiaki (guardians) for our whānau. We want to bring our tamariki out here, we want them to know the historical value and learn the history and importance of our whenua.”
Manaaki Kaimai Mamaku Trust (MKMT) manages the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project (KMRP) - a landscape scale restoration project that brings together all stakeholders, agencies and iwi-hapū working to restore the mauri of the area.
Rayonier Matariki Forests’ investment is the first of its kind in the Kaimai Mamaku.
“This is a really momentous day,” says MKMT CEO Louise Saunders.
“It’s a trail-blazing partnership. We will take the learnings from this and fast-track more of the same across the rohe (area). The goal is for all iwi and hapū around the Kaimai Mamaku to have this opportunity on their whenua”.
This investment has come at an opportune time, with many pest control projects around Aotearoa having to close down with the conclusion of the majority of Jobs for Nature funding. There has been significant investment in training and upskilling for all KMRP kaimahi and Louise says it would be devastating to see this end.
“Neither government or councils can fully fund the restoration needed to reverse biodiversity loss and strengthen ecosystems against climate change. But the cost shouldn’t fall to the philanthropy sector or already-stretched communities.
“The funding model needs to be completely re-thought. And it’s great that Rayonier Matariki Forests wants to be part of the solution,” she says.
During the karakia and whanaungatanga to officially launch the partnership, Wairere Mahi kaimahi Wiremu Johnstone shared his heart-felt appreciation.
"I'm honoured,” he says, “My cup is full. I hope to do this for my whole life".
Photo from left to right: Mohi Korohina (Wairere Mahi), Rob Schoonderwoerd (Rayonier Matariki Forests), Tim Aoake (Wairere Mahi), Louise Saunders (MKMT), Wiremu Johnstone and Henry Burton (Wairere Mahi)