Te AiTAngA-A-HAuiTi | uAwA TolAgA BAy CommuniTy | AllAn ... · This project has arisen from a desire by Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the community of Uawa / Tolaga Bay to build a shared

The UAWANUI ProjecTBuilding a shared vision for Uawa / Tolaga Bay

Te AiTAngA-A-HAuiTi | uAwA TolAgA BAy CommuniTy | AllAn wilson CenTre

Hei TaHu WHakapapathe UawanUi Project

The whakapapa above shows the genealogical link between the ancestors and marae of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti. It traces from Paikea to Hingangaroa and his son Hauiti. It also shows the descent from Ruakapanga to Kahukuraiti who married Hauiti. Ruakapanga is the ancestral name of the Wharenui on Hauiti marae and Hingangaroa is the ancestor who established the whare wananga Te Rawheoro, after which the modern day marae Te Rawheoro is called. Hauiti is the eponymous ancestor from who Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti (The Descendants of Hauiti) take their name. Te Amowhiu is the Wharenui at Puketawai Marae and Hinetamatea is the ancestral meeting house at Anaura Bay. Hinemaurea is the Wharenui at Mangatuna and is often called Hinemaurea ki Mangatuna. In close proximity is Okuri Wharenui which is on Okuri Marae.

Paikea

rongomaituaho

Te Aomarama

Tätaiarorangi

Te Huapae

Te rangihopukia

Hinehuhuritai

manutangirua

Hingangaroa

Ruakapanga

manunui

ruatehohonu

uwawekiuta

manawapau

ngarangikokouri

Tumaurirere

rongowhakaata

Pirau

Puaiwhanake

wakapawhero

Hinemaurea

ruataupare

mariu

Kahukuranui

Tautini

Hinekura

Hinetamatea

wakarara

mahuika

ruamanawahonu

Te rangitaukiwaho

AParuaotaina

rongotipare

Te Aowhirinaki

Tamahuanoa

Tuterangiatea

Te rangitaumaru

Okuri

Tuterangikatipu Te Aotawarirangi

Tamateapaia

Hauiti

Tutaekaniwha

Angiangiterangi

Te rangitetakoria

Te Amowhiu

Te rangipureora

iranui (w.2)Te Rāwheoro

Kahukuraiti

2 Te AiTAngA-A-HAuiTi | uAwA TolAgA BAy CommuniTy | AllAn wilson CenTre

Te RawHeoro

Te AmowHiu

HinemAureA

HineTAmATeA

HAuiTi

PuATAi

oKuri

Uawanui Vision –

Action on the ground –

Uawanui Governance Group –

Individual projects form the strands of a net of action

The Uawanui Governance Group has been formed to support and oversee collaboration around this shared vision

The landmarks to guide us to our shared future

This project has arisen from a desire by Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the community of Uawa / Tolaga Bay to build a shared vision for the management of their Uawa catchment and coastline. It is driven by a commitment to enhance the environment, community and economy of Uawa / Tolaga Bay for future generations. The key components of this project include:

Te Aitanga a Hauiti and the Community of Uawa / Tolaga Bay have developed a shared vision for the future of Uawa / Tolaga bay. It identifies our long term vision and the prin-ciples or landmarks that will guide us toward it. The vision poster and this booklet document the vision.

At the same time as the big picture is developed there must be real projects on the ground to demonstrate what the vision means in practice, and to build knowledge and collaboration. Initial actions include preparing a riverbank restoration guide, and early implementation of restoration action plans for the school riverbank area and Kaitawa Estuary.

The governance group is responsible for representing the range of interests across Te Aitanga a Hauiti and the Uawa Tolaga Bay Community. This initial group will evolve to ensure that all interests are represented in the ongoing and collaborative implementation of the vision.

UAWANUI A RUAMATUA RIVERBANK RESTORATIONA Guide for Built-up Areas

ALLAN WILSON CENTRE | TE AITANGA-A-HAUITI | UAWA TOLAGA BAY COMMUNITY

The UAWANUI ProjecTBuilding a shared vision for Uawa / Tolaga Bay

AllAn Wilson Centre | te AitAngA-A-HAuiti | uAWA tolAgA BAy Community

Uawanui Governance Group: Kelly Blackman, Jock Walker, Victor Walker (Chairperson), Lorraine Tuapawa, Mere Tamanui, Bridget Parker, Nathan Foote Karla Kohatu (not pictured) and Mihi Kutia (not pictured)

3Te AiTAngA-A-HAuiTi | uAwA TolAgA BAy CommuniTy | AllAn wilson CenTre

Timelinethe UawanUi Project

the UawanUi Project idea 2011

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awanUi Project Understanding what i

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the UawanUi Project long term Vision

the UawanUi Project BUilding skill

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Transit of Venus Commemoration 6 June 2012

• Tolaga Bay hosts hundreds to view the Transit of Venus

• Participants in the transit of Venus celebrations undertake restoration planting

• Riverbank restoration guide is launched

• The Uawanui Exhibition at Tolaga Bay School showcases student images from the catchment building understanding around the project

• Transit of Venus forum in Gisborne over next two days reinforces the importance of the ideas behind the Uawanui Project and the Uawa / Tolaga Bay example is regularly referred to by delegates

Tolaga Bay Area School

• Science and filmmaking projects by school students focus on transit of Venus, winning Royal Society prize

• 2004 Transit of Venus trip to UK and relationships with Royal Society and Kew Gardens

• Relationship established with Allan Wilson Centre

On-going discussions and engagement with community

• Discussions are held with individuals and groups across different land communities

• Interest in riverbank restoration through built up area – Riverbank restoration guide drafted

• Science wananga is held for secondary school students, linked to Uawanui Project

• School photography class captures images of people in the Uawanui landscape

What about ecological restoration at Uawa / Tolaga Bay? Approach to AWC

Te Aitanga a Hauiti and the local community request assistance from Allan Wilson Centre work on ecological restoration – towards...

• Lasting, holistic approach

• Bringing together environment, community and economy

• Catchment scale

• Long term vision – what can we achieve by the time of the next transit of Venus, in 100 years?

Mata River

Mata River

Uawa River

Waiau River

Waiau River

Waiotu Stream

Tohitu Stream

Tapuae Stream

Patiki Stream

Waikawa Stream

Ihungia River

Hikuwai River

Kaitawa Stream

Hikuwai River

Waikare Stream

Ramanui Stream

Takapau Stream

Pakarae River

Pakarae River

Waitakeo Stream

Waitakeo Stream

Pauariki Stream

Arowhata Stream

Makomako Stream

Mangaehu Stream

Mangaroa Stream

Makatote Stream

Mangahoui Stream

Anauraiti Stream

Waikopiro Stream

Mangaroau Stream

Mangaheia River

Waitoroko Stream

Kaimonona Stream

Mangateao Stream

Mangaheia River

Waimaunu Stream

Mangapapa Stream

Mangarara Stream

Mangahauini River

Onetohunga Stream

Mangaapiha Stream

Pangopango Stream

Makahakaha Stream

Mangahauini Stream

Mangarakai Stream

Mangarakai Stream

Mangatarata Stream

Waipurupuru Stream

Takamapohia Stream

Waipurupuru Stream

Mangatarata Stream

Mangahaweone Stream

Mangatokerau River

Whakaauranga Stream

Ngawakapatiki Stream

Te Kokokakahi Stream

Marau

Waima

Toiroa

Arero

Tawhiti

Rehuroa

Waihoa

Pirauau

Hauiti

Puakato

Te Rimu

Te Kaho

Te Puka

Marotiri

Tuatini

Hikuwai

Whakaumu

Huiarua

Whakaari

Pukeatua

Takapau

Paraheka

Hautanoa

Maungaroa

Ongaruru

WharekiriTirohanga

Titirangi

Tirohanga

Hikurangi

Paremata

Te Ariuru

Mangatuna

Wharekaka

Karaka Bay

Paripoupou

Ngapopohia

Whareopaia

Whakauranga

Anaura Bay

Kaiaua Bay

Tolaga BayTolaga Bay

Marau Point

Tokomaru Bay

Tokomaru Bay

Mawhai Point

Tatuaotemaumu

Pourewa Island

Tauwhareparae

Koutunui Point

Motuoroi Island

Kiorekaitarahore

The Five Bridges

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TUAHU ROAD

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Landcover

LandCoverUrban Open Space

Urban Area

Mines and Dumps

Transport Infrastructure

Bare Ground

Coastal Sand

Inland Water

Primarily Horticulture

Primarily Pastoral

Tussock Grassland

Inland Wetland

Coastal Wetland

Scrub

Planted Forest and Shelterbelts

Willows and Poplars

Indigenous Forest

DOC_PublicConservationLand

¯

0 1 2 3 4 5 Kilometers

2004

the transit of VenUs - jUne 6, 2012


Develop ongoing relationships and communication

• Development of Memorandum of Understanding with Allan Wilson Centre

• Developing ongoing relationships and communication

• Building partnerships for funding and other support

• Implementing a range of projects in line with vision

• Governance group developing communication approach

Vision

• An overarching vision of He Manawa Whenua – He Oranga Tangata (Healthy Environment – Healthy People) is established

• A series of guiding principles or “landmarks” towards this vision are identified

• Drafts of vision poster are developed and refined

• A pictorial booklet is developed, giving an overview of the project and information on land community values, vision and opportunities

Action plans

• Work undertaken with Hauiti and Mangaheia Incorporations to identify environmental management opportunities

• Restoration action plan prepared for Kaitawa Estuary

• Restoration action plan prepared for school riverbank

Capacity building and implementation

• Governance group established

• Fencing around Kaitawa Estuary

• Initial research priorities identified and working with AWC and others to establish research projects

• Developing training approaches – building on EIT horticulture training

• Implementing a range of projects in line with vision

the UawanUi Project idea 2011

the U

awanUi Project Understanding what i

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the UawanUi Project long term Vision

the UawanUi Project BUilding skill

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noVemBer 30, 2012


In 2012 a group of senior students from Tolaga Bay Area School were engaged to provide images. While shunning the prospect of photographing landscapes devoid of people, the students willingly provided an outstanding range of images capturing the people of Uawanui engaged in the activities that support their lives. Many of these images appear in this booklet. They tell us a lot about what matters in this place, what the people care about, and where the shared community vision might be.


Students of Tolaga Bay Area School were involved in a science wananga over 3 days in 2012 that linked to the Uawanui Project. Students prepared “cultural maps” of their place – highlighting a fascinating collection of values, issues, and ideas. The insight, thoughtfulness and humour of these young people has enriched and informed understanding of what is important and what is valued.


undersTanding uaWanui the UawanUi Project

Discussions with a wide range of groups and individuals during the course of this project have been informed by mapped information covering a broad range of resources. Discussions have also been informed by the experiences and knowledge of the many who have participated. It has become clear that the health and status of indigenous biodiversity is inseparable from the health of all natural systems and the health of the people and communities they serve. By building an inclusive vision, one that is responsive to the needs of all living things, including people, it becomes possible to gain a commitment to immediate care. In defining a future we can see where to start and why it matters.

While the interests of the various individuals and groups who participated varied enormously, both in scope and substance, there were many common themes that crossed the boundaries of land ownership and culture. Boundaries are not solid, but rather blur and overlap. Waterways flow down from the hills to the sea and water supports many lives. Uawanui encompasses the coast and the narrow range of eastern hills from around Anaura Bay south to the coastline of Titirangi.

Land Use Capability Class

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

Land use capability This classification system has been used in

New Zealand for decades and is a valuable land planning tool. It uses an 8 class system with increasing limitation on sustainable productive use moving from class 1 to 8.

Class 1-4 land is potentially suitable for cropping and horticulture. The flats in the lower Uawa are Class 1-4 land. They are versatile and support a range of cropping and horticultural uses. The flats cover a relatively small area, some 8000 ha, or around 14% of a total catchment area of 56,000 ha. The intensively cropped flats are however likely to generate a major portion of the economic wealth for the catchment. They are an economic powerhouse for the community.Class 5-6 land, while not able to be cropped sustainably, is well suited to pastoral farming. Land in this class covers around 14,000 ha, or 25% of the catchment, and is predominantly on easier slopes to the south.Class 7 land is limited and low producing for pastoral farming, often with major erosion issues. It is best suited to a forest cover. The largest portion of the catchment is class 7 land, some 32,000 ha or 57% of the catchment. Class 8 land includes cliffs and rocky areas best managed for biodiversity, soil and water protection under conservation management. There are some 1200 ha, or 2% of the catchment, in class 8.


The land cover The land cover shown is from the 2002 land cover database satelite imagery (LCDB2).

This shows a catchment with around 22,400 ha or 40% of its area in exotic forest. The location of forestry landcover appears to be broadly matched to the land use capability class 7 land. Around 20,200 ha, 36%, is in pasture and 10,500 ha, 19% in native scrub including manuka and kanuka. Mature native forest covers only 700 hectares or 1% of the catchment.

The Uawanui Project maps provide a summary of some of the resources that are key to the area. Information on land use capability – defining what uses the land can sustain in the long term, current land use, elevation / topography and archaeological sites all provide useful understanding of the landscape. A shared understanding of what makes up the landscape of this area is essential to being able to discuss its long term management.

Land Cover

Urban Area

Bare Ground

Coastal Sand

Inland Water

Primarily Horticulture

Primarily Pastoral

Tussock Grassland

Inland Wetland

Coastal Wetland

Scrub

Planted Forest and Shelterbelts

Willows and Poplars

Indigenous Forest


Elevation (M)

1 - 50

50 - 100

100 - 200

200 - 300

300 - 400

400 - 500

500 - 600

600 - 700

700 - 800

800 - 900

900 - 1,000

1,000 - 1,100

1,100 - 1,200

1,200 - 1,300

1,300 - 1,400

1,400 - 1,500

1,500 - 3,700

Elevation Land in the catchment rises from sea level to almost 700 m in the headwaters. Flats

in the valley bottoms are very low lying with around 8000 ha (14% of the catchment) of land less than 50m above sea level. As a result, the Uawa River is tidal for almost 10km Inland from the sea.


Archaeological sitesThe sites presented are publicly identified sites. They give an indication of the

distribution of historic activity by Māori. This appears to align closely with the easier north facing land in the south of the catchment and the better quality land along the river valley.

Archaeological Sites

Waahi Tapu

Archaeological Areas

Historic

Archaeological Sites

Heritage Alert


THe sHared vision for uaWanuithe UawanUi Project

Uawanui has a rich cultural heritage. This is reflected in the land and the people who sustain the memories of their place in it. The special and unique heritage of Uawanui has been shaped first by the culture of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and subsequently by the dreams and aspirations of Europeans. The defining event in this evolving relationship was the positive interaction between the people of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the crew of the Endeavour in 1769. The first Europeans recognised a sophisticated culture supporting a healthy and creative people. The observations of the crew of the endeavour are clearly captured in such statements as;

“Throughout all of this district the people seemed free from apprehension and as in a state of profound peace; their cultivations were far more numerous and larger than we saw them anywhere else, and they had a far greater quantity of fine boats, fine cloths, fine carved work; in short the people were far more numerous and lived in far greater affluence than any others we saw.”

Subsequent early observations have identified “Altogether the resources in the bay were rich and relatively compact, thus providing a strong economic base for the many sub-groupings of TeAitanga-a-Hauiti.”

of what is now Uawa / Tolaga Bay. The health of this economy is inseparable from the health of the land, the water and the people who live in this place.

Discussion with both individuals and groups informing the process associated with the Uawanui project have identified strong shared values to shape a vision that is shared by the whole community.

The relationship to the place of Uawa / Tolaga Bay and the aspects of a future vision that have been identified by Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the Uawa / Tolaga Bay community are depicted in the following poster…

The observations of Cook and his crew must surely have been inspirational for the Europeans who followed soon after. The first European settlers were quick to recognise the cues provided by the enterprise of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti in their cultivations and judicious use of resources. A shared future building on a dual heritage had begun.

The complex patterns of use across the landscape we see today reflect an evolving relationship between land and people. The endeavours of farmers, foresters and many others have radically altered earlier patterns of resource use. The production of food and wood now drives the economy



The land resources, influences of terrain, soil type, coastline – and the relationship to where people have settled and still live - come together to form “land communities”. These communities are all part of the Uawa / Tolaga Bay community, but they are distinguished by particular areas of interest, aspirations, land management issues and/or community development challenges. The shared vision for Uawanui / Tolaga Bay, as represented by the Uawanui Project, is an amalgam of the values and aspirations of these various land communities.

These land communities are not delineated by hard boundaries; they overlap at the edges where one merges into another. However within the land communities interests tend to cluster around particular values. The different communities are briefly described on these pages. The following sections detail the values, future aspirations, and opportunities identified from discussions with people in each land community.

land communiTiesthe UawanUi Project

Steepland upper catchment The steep and erosion prone land of the upper

catchment, much of which is now covered in plantation forest.

Uawa flatsThe highly fertile flats of the lower Uawa River. Their

fertility and climate allows high yield cropping of sweetcorn, squash, maize and other crops. Orcharding and viticulture have also been important in the past.


Coastline and coastal hills The dramatic and rich coastline

from north of Anaura Bay, south to around Waihau Bay. It includes the short coastal catchments draining directly to the sea and the community of Anaura.

Good hill country These hills are predominantly around the

south east of the catchment, closer to Uawa / Tolaga Bay. They are often north facing and provide productive hill country pastoral farming.

Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the Uawa / Tolaga Bay Community

Encompasses the tribal grouping of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the people that live in and around the more densely populated lower valley settlement of Tolaga Bay.


Pride and sense of community

The things we value most • Dual heritage – shared future relationship developed

through Transit of Venus commemoration

• Very rich Māori and Pākehā heritage – Marae, Wānanga, wharf, ferry etc

• Ability to link back to past – traditional arts, Whare-wānanga, Cook history

• Connection to the place: - Maunga, Awa, Marae as central - Strong Whānau Feel - everyone is connected - Whakapaupakihi - Net of Hauiti

• Organisations building links and creating a network to support people – Hauora, School etc

• Church and religion

• River runs through the town – everyone links to awa

• People living outside Uawa have a strong connection back

• Strong relationships with outside organisations

• Soils and climate to grow our own food

• Access to culturally important food resources and other resources such as flax

• Lots of food around – fruit trees, fish, seafood, mussels, kina, paua, pigs, deer, eels, whitebait, crayfish

• Water is crucial – high value – includes support of tuna, whitebait, flounder etc

• Coastline is important- beautiful beaches, surfing, kaimoana, Uawatiaki tai

• Employment on farms and in forests

• EIT education providing local training opportunities

• Multi talented coasties: - Kapahaka, Arts, Waiata, performance – fantastic talent

• Pride and sense of community

Te aiTanga-a-HauiTi and THe uaWa / Tolaga Bay communiTy

Valuesland commUnity


How would we like the future to be?• We are well educated, thoughtful, creative, and

motivated people able to manage land, water and coastal resources wisely and innovate to generate on-going prosperity

• The strength and inclusiveness of our community are recognised and respected

• Our history in the Uawa is recognised and the many special resources, sites, and places of importance to our identity are cared for and respected

• We celebrate our dual heritage and share a future that builds on the values and strengths of our different cultural perspectives, our land, and our water

• We live in a stunning natural environment and our stewardship of the environment is nationally respected

• Our businesses are profitable and provide economic benefit to their owners and the community

• Our community cares for its children and the health and wellbeing of the environment that supports us all

• Life long learning and education is practiced so that people have the skills and knowledge to engage in social, cultural, and economic activities that sustain themselves and their community

• We are open to new ideas and cultivate links to the wider world in order to gain access to science and innovation as well as evolving markets and economic opportunities

Future

Our community cares for its children and the

health and wellbeing of the environment that

supports us all

17

To work toward this vision • Strengthening the connections between education and land

management in the catchment (allowing people to build skills but stay directly connected)

• Developing skills around technology and land use

• Raising awareness of the significance of science and the opportunities it provides

• Build links to local education opportunities – EIT, Wananga, cadetships with land industries

• Build skills and knowledge around rongoa

• Rebuilding links with the river through riverbank restoration – ecological and cultural

• Enhancing biodiversity within the community so people see and experience native birds and plants

• Rebuild function of wananga – learning about projects etc

• Continued opportunity for people who have missed out on education so far – applied polytech courses etc

• Conscious management of food gathering resources to build skills and provide opportunities for all – shellfish, fish, puha etc

• Support for vegetable gardens/horticultural crops

• Greater involvement in water sports etc to enhance health etc

• Walking links to and from the township – making Tolaga a place to stop as the centre of wider walking and cultural experiences

• Interpretation of rich cultural and historic heritage – acknowledging and promoting this and using it to strengthen local sense of identity and connection (Visitors to Tolaga Bay currently get little direction to any of its rich history)

• Building a link between the long term vision / direction of the community and applied science to support this

• Building relationships with key players in the catchment to build shared responsibility for environmental outcomes Working together rather than arguing

• Collaboration and shared governance to achieve more for everyone

Enhancing biodiversity within the community

so people see and experience native birds

and plants

Opportunities


Uawanui a Ruamatua – Riverbank Restoration Guide:Landowners around the built up areas of the Uawa / Tolaga Bay River and others in the Uawa / Tolaga Bay community identified an early interest in “getting stuck in” around this section of the river to restore the riverbank areas. A restoration guide has been prepared for this area encompassing both ecological and cultural values. Land owners and marae are taking the first steps to implement this work.

School riverbank restoration:Early plantings occurred adjacent to the school as part of the Transit of Venus commemoration. This initial work is now being incorporated into an action plan for an expanded area beside the school where weed control, planting and construction of a riverbank pathway are being undertaken. This work is being integrated with an Eastern Institute of Technology course and school involvement.

Case study


Almost all of steep areas are in forest cover

The things we value most • Large scale of forest area means that ongoing

employment provided for local contractors or workers in silviculture, roading and harvesting

• There is significant economic input from forestry to the wider community – recent figures suggest more than 1 in 4 households in the East Coast region have a person whose job is dependent on forestry

• Steep upper catchment areas are critical for managing downstream impacts of storm events

• Almost all of steep areas are in forest cover

• Forest cover has brought greater stability to the catchment compared with pasture – reduced sedimentation and increased resilience to major storm events

• Forests buffer flood flows for intermediate storm events

• Low chemical use (herbicide and fertiliser) by forestry means low chance of contaminated run off

• There are unplanted gully bottom areas and scrub and bush remnants in forestry areas that provide significant biodiversity

• Forestry health and safety requirements for random drug testing mean that local forestry workers are the nucleus of a drug free culture

• Forests provide opportunity for hunting and recreation

sTeepland upper caTcHmenTland commUnity

Values


How would we like the future to be?• Forestry is a profitable business in the catchment

providing economic benefit for its owners and to local contractors and employees

• Steep upper catchment areas are in plantation and native forest cover that continues to benefit downstream areas through reduced sedimentation and buffering of intermediate flood flows

• The contribution forest landowners and managers make to environmental quality and downstream values is recognised and valued by the wider community

• Forestry health and safety requirements including random drug testing mean that local forestry workers and their families are the nucleus of a healthy, drug free, and safe culture

• Forests of the upper catchment continue to provide opportunity for hunting and recreation

Future

Forestry is a profitable business in the catchment

providing economic benefit for its owners and

to local contractors and employees

21

To work toward this vision • Increased productivity, safety and environmental

performance in steep slope harvesting through improved skills and machinery

• Continue to actively engage with the wider community to improve understanding of the importance of forest cover in steepland areas for soil and water protection

• Using the wider catchment level approach to sustainability and high social and cultural performance to support marketing, environmental certification (FSC) etc

• Development of additional markets for waste material through bioenergy systems, where profitable – reducing steepland slash disposal problems around landings and utilising local energy transmission infrastructure

• Reduced impact from forest roading in the second rotation as the road network is already established

• Rationalising planting boundaries in second rotation to establish permanent native or other vegetation in difficult to harvest and low production / low return areas – e.g. steep gullies

• Enhanced approach to management of slash – utilising research work at a regional and national level

• Coordination of pest and weed control programmes – working in with wider regional / council and catchment biodiversity objectives, potentially providing greater habitat and increase in populations of native bird and plant species

Increased productivity, safety and environmental

performance in steep slope harvesting

through improved skills and machinery

Opportunities

22

Case study Protecting the environment and wild life is high in the minds of all people working in the forest. At all levels in the industry commitment is made to manage the estate in such a way so as to minimise things like soil erosion, a major issue in most of the Gisborne region including Uawa, protect indigenous flora and fauna and ensure water quality is maintained. Balanced against that is the equally important task of providing jobs and careers so people can live in an area like Uawa and provide properly for their families. That also brings with it all the other social benefits, schools, shops, a good rugby team and all the other groups where people get together and enjoy social activities. Without thriving and diverse industries that becomes very difficult. Farming, horticulture, viticulture, forestry, and others, must all play their part in providing sustainable work. Forestry is a major part of that equation.

Most people who work in forestry do so because of their love of the outdoors and that usually means they are the sort of people who see the need to look after it. Modern forestry practices are very different from those used a decade or so ago, things have improved a lot. Foresters have to think long term; it takes thirty years for all their hard work to come to fruition, so they are in it for the long haul. Forestry provides many benefits, it protects the steep erosion prone hill country, it moderates the water runoff which helps reduce the effects of storm events, it assists with water quality and it provides work which means people can live in Uawa and enjoy the magnificent climate.

- Trevor Helson, CEO Eastland Wood Council


High biodiversity restoration potential – e.g.

seabirds– titi, possible tuatara on offshore islands

The things we value most • Source of kaimoana for local community

• Threatened or rare plant species remain in steep areas – e.g. kaka beak, may be others

• High biodiversity restoration potential – e.g. seabirds – titi, possible tuatara on offshore islands

• Major diversity of landscapes over short distance – rock stacks, steep cliffs, small valleys

• Dramatic and high quality landscape of national / international quality

• High density of cultural and archaeological sites

• Very strong Iwi cultural connection to coast

• Includes sites that are part of national identity through first positive contact with James Cook and crew of Endeavour – Anaura and Tolaga Bay, Cooks Cove etc

• Historic wharves and coastal shipping history

• Commercial fishing

• Recreational fishing

• Estuary and tidal reaches of streams provide whitebait, flounder and bird life

• Short, small catchments, some with reasonable woody vegetation cover, means there is greater potential for restoration

• New Zealanders know key locations e.g. Tolaga Bay, Cooks Cove, Anaura Bay - these are iconic destinations

• Remote and undeveloped environment – with limited vehicle access – gives high quality natural experience and character

land commUnity

coasTline & coasTal Hills Values


How would we like the future to be?• Landscapes and seascapes are nationally

recognised for their outstanding natural character , beauty, and rich cultural history

• A diversity of native plants and animals flourish in the coastal and marine environments

• The high quality coastal fishery is understood, respected and wisely managed to allow careful and sustained harvest

• Sites such as Cooks Cove and Anaura Bay are nationally recognised as the site of first positive contact between Māori and European and are places where we can celebrate our national identity

• Visitors are able to experience the history, culture and unique environment of the Uawa coastline through direct and informed engagement with people and places

A diversity of native plants and animals

flourish in the coastal and marine environments

Future


To work toward this vision • Fisheries research and management mechanisms

are developed

• Small catchment restoration is implemented linking coastal vegetation, protection of coastal ecosystems and well managed agricultural production

• Coordinated and landscape scale pest control through the coastal area to support native plant and animal life

• Cultural pathways, use of cultural resources such as flax – reinforce the stories and attachment of Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti to the place

• Reintroduction of threatened species on offshore islands and managed mainland areas e.g. titi (grey faced petrel), tuatara

• Develop opportunities for low impact high value tourism potentially involving walking and overnight stays through the area with links to places that foster cultural understanding

• Coordinated and linked ecological and cultural restoration incorporating Cooks Cove, Tolaga Bay, Anaura Bay and the wider area

Reintroduction of threatened species on

offshore islands and managed mainland areas

Opportunities

26

Hauiti and Mangaheia Incorporations: The project team has been collaborating with the Hauiti and Mangaheia Incorporations as key partners in the long term implementation of work on the ground that supports the Uawa / Tolaga Bay vision.These Incorporations have around 5,500 hectares of land that includes a sequence from steeper hill country to rolling hills and fertile cropping land on the Uawa / Tolaga Bay flats. Their land also contains the Kaitawa Estuary and culturally significant Opoutama, Cook’s Cove and Titirangi. The Incorporations operate one of the largest Māori-owned cropping enterprises in New Zealand. They are keen to further develop environmental stewardship of their land. They have worked with the Allan Wilson Centre to complete an initial environmental scoping across their lands and an action plan for restoration of the ecologically important Kaitawa Estuary. Work to complete fencing around the Estuary has commenced. A range of steps to restore the Estuary, including weed control, planting and predator trapping are being considered in future plans. Further development of a wider strategy of ecological and cultural restoration across the incorporations is being considered. The Allan Wilson Centre is working with the Incorporations to develop these ideas.

Case study


High quality soils – fertile and flat

The things we value most • High quality soils – fertile and flat

• Maintaining high water quality is key

• Opportunity for a wide range of production – crops (maize, sweet corn, squash etc), citrus, pasture – stock finishing

• Experienced farmers who understand constraints of climate, soil, markets etc and how to farm within these constraints

• Strong goodwill between landowners. Has a community feel and understanding of need to work together and support each other through difficult times – e.g. bola flood damage

• Incorporations and families with long term link to the place – multi generation

• Relatively few large landowners making it easy to collaborate

• Flats largely concentrated in one area and are close to Tolaga Bay township

• Slightly higher rainfall than Poverty Bay flats

• High quality natural environment

• Māori cultural quality

• Tidal waterways with whitebait and a range of marine and freshwater fish species

• Some small native forest remnants remain

uaWa flaTs land commUnity

Values


How would we like the future to be?• An enduring community is present that has strong

pride in its environment and people, that protects what it has and what it is

• Farm businesses are profitable, providing economic benefit for their owners and the community

• Farm systems use a range of land management approaches and produce a range of products that make them resilient to changing markets and climate

• Long term land management by people committed to the local area supports collaboration and builds on past experience

• Wise use and management of land improves economic returns and supports a network of healthy waterways and native vegetation remnants

• Well educated, thoughtful, creative and motivated people are available in the local area to help farm businesses manage land resources wisely and innovate to provide ongoing prosperity

Farm businesses are profitable, providing

economic benefit for their owners and

the community

Future


To work toward this vision • Collaboration to develop

- Markets - Relevant science and research projects - Training and development for local staff and contractors

• Develop high value markets based on marketing a strong brand around environmental performance and community / cultural values

• Market pressures mean ongoing reduction in chemical use will be required – potential to develop high quality low input farming systems to satisfy a range of markets

• Enhancing biodiversity through restoration around waterways – without impacting on farm production

• Working with upper catchment forest owners to ensure healthy incoming water quality and maintain flood protection effects of forests

• Water harvesting and use within small local catchments

• Stock exclusion, weed and pest control within lowland forest remnants on flats

Stock exclusion, weed and pest control of lowland forest remnants on flats

Opportunities

30

Kiwi Organics operates the Broadlands Farm on the Uawa Flats, probably the largest organic cropping enterprise in the country. Kiwi Organics recognises that caring for the health of their consumers in offshore markets means caring for the health of the environment that produces their food. Global consumers are engaging with local communities in a shared future, a future that delivers high quality food from healthy environments.

As Bridget Parker, Director of Kiwi Organics Ltd in Tolaga Bay says; “We are fortunate in that we live in a very special place where people really care about the soil, food, air, water and lifestyle. Most of all we care about each other and this is evolving with the generations living here. We share a joint future.

Our company grows, processes and exports gluten free certified organic corn/maize based products. Kiwi Organics is vertically integrated.

“ We farm on the world class fertile soils of the Uawa district, nestled within Turanganui-a Kiwa, Gisborne, East Coast NZ.

“We have very successful Māori Corporation Farming on neighbouring land. They are truly forward thinkers, exploring opportunities globally. High volumes of Maize, squash, sweetcorn, and peas have been produced on these extremely fertile soils for many years, and distributed throughout the world. They have moves afoot to broaden their markets even further with sheep, beef and other produce. We have been fortunate in having

the opportunity for our community to share our experience with members of the Allan Wilson Centre who have helped us build a vision for the 21st Century. We are embracing the challenges this poses. Our community has air, water, soils, mountains, and people that are truly clean and green. This is our future. As farmers who respect, care for, and protect our environment we speak with pride about what we achieve past, present and future. As Kiwi Organics we can offer no better example than our QEII 16 ha forest covenant with trees over 600 years old, protected for 20 years from stock degradation.

“Our third generation family business has nearly a decade of experience working with people around the globe in the food industry. Ours is a young enterprise many can boast of more than 6 generations of family ownership, and when it comes to questions of ‘traceability’ it doesn’t get much better than that!

“In recent years the messages received from our consumers have been changing. Today our customers care much more about the big picture. They are educated global thinkers who can easily access what really matters. They love New Zealand and everything we stand for. However, we must not become complacent.

“Our family story from the East Coast, along with the stories of many others here, answers the questions of consumers who care;

• Is this food healthy? Is it good for me?

• Is this food sustainably grown? How?

• Is this food safe for my family?

• Is this food GMO free?

• Is this food traceable?For Kiwi Organics the answers are Yes… Yes… and….Yes!”Today Kiwi Organics Gluten Free, Vegetarian, Vegan and

Certified Organic Products are hugely popular because they answer all the questions. The Polenta, Corn flour, Popcorn, Corn Grits and also the beef and lamb from Uawa are now consumed around the world.

Case study

3131

Best land types have very productive pastures

The things we value most • Best land types have very productive pastures

• Moderate terrain

• Off flats so not such a flooding issue

• Land price not too high – allows entry

• Archaeological sites particularly around southern area

• Good aspect – warm north facing slopes in some areas

• Native bush and scrub remnants in some areas

• Farmers present with long term link to the place, including Māori incorporations

uaWa good Hill counTry land commUnity

Values


How would we like the future to be?• Land based businesses are profitable, providing

economic benefit for their owners and the community

• Farm systems use a range of land management approaches and produce a range of products to spread risk and make them resilient to changing markets and climate

• Exotic and native trees and shrubs protect soils on steep slopes, ensure high downstream water quality and habitat for native plants and animals

• Wise land use, including mixed land use with areas of pasture and areas of trees where they are most suited – not all forest or all pasture

• The contribution landowners and managers make to environmental quality and downstream values is recognised and valued by the wider community

• A framework of native vegetation is built through the farm and forest landscape

A framework of native vegetation is built

through the farm and forest landscape

Future


To work toward this vision • Promote whole farm planning to ensure the right mix

of forest, native regeneration, pasture, and forestry

• Establish farm discussion group focused on land management

• Work with others to obtain marketing advantage from product branding linked to high local environmental and social/cultural performance

• Examine tourism opportunities within land businesses

• Monitoring of water quality through the catchment

• Join with other land managers to identify training and development needs for local staff, contractors and technical support

• Promote the importance of soil and water values in upper catchments and ensure that farmers are supported in their efforts to build resilience into their farming activities

Establishing farm discussion group focused

on land management

Opportunities

34

Case study Graeme Williams and his partner Derry Stovell farm 800 hectares of steep hill country in the upper Uawa catchment.

When Graeme’s parents, Ralph and Margaret-Ann, bought Mangaroa Station in 1961 the property was badly eroded and not a single tree had been planted. They quickly set about planting trees to help prevent erosion. The Williams family have planted 58,000 trees on Mangaroa, mainly Yunnanensis poplar and Matsudana willow. These species don’t require sleeve protection because their rough bark is less palatable to cattle. These trees provide shelter and shade for stock, and emergency fodder in a drought. Graeme says the efforts of his parents have “come to fruition”, proving a two-tier system of trees and livestock is financially and environmentally viable.

The farming operation involves extensive grazing and keeps costs down. Creating a resilient landscape that looks after stock health while running an efficient low cost operation have enabled the farm to stay viable through a range of challenging farming conditions.

Many of Graeme Williams’ farming decisions are based on what’s good for the land and the stock, not for the wallet.

But, says Graeme, experience has shown that what’s good for the land and the stock follows to be good for the wallet too.

Mangaroa won a Gisborne district farm environment award in 2005, and two category awards in the 2013

East Coast Balance Farm Environment Awards. Amongst other things that impressed judges was the use of willows as a “living hay barn” to feed stock in dry conditions.

“Through planting the trees we’ve been able to successfully farm it and we make a good living off the place.

“If we didn’t plant the trees, we wouldn’t have a farm.”Graeme is a well known local poet and comic entertainer

and sums up some of his ideas in the following poem.

Well I’m certainly not a tree-hugger, But the drought has made me think, That a lot of us with Nature, Are somewhat out of sync

Stock of course, like humans Know exactly what they need And we should stop and think of them And take a little heed We have fridges in the summer And heaters for the cold Trees provide both for them So they too can fit the mould

Cockies in my opinion Should practice what they preach Those without stock shade Shouldn’t be under a brolly at the beach And in the middle of winter When she’s as cold as a froggies tit Out in the shelterless paddocks Is exactly where they should sit


Prepared by Peter Handford and Clive Anstey, Groundtruth | Designed by Loudhailer Design

Images for this publication have been generously provided by many people supporting the Uawanui Project including students and staff of Tolaga Bay Area School, Groundtruth Ltd, the Gisborne Photo News, Peter Andrew, Bridget Parker, Alton Perrie, and the Okuri Marae Chairperson

March 2014

Documents

Te AiTAngA-A-HAuiTi | uAwA TolAgA BAy CommuniTy | AllAn ... · This project has arisen from a desire by Te Aitanga-a-Hauiti and the community of Uawa / Tolaga Bay to build a shared