Restoring the land to native forest, currently in pine is the intergenerational vision of the Ngāti Hine Forestry Trust. The Trust held a wānanga in March as it works with the people to shape and progress the strategy. Source: Timberbiz
The kaupapa looks to regenerate rakau Māori through rangahau and research, wānanga and native forestry trial sites.
Around 60 people gathered to hear about the project and contribute to the design aspirations of native forestry trial sites. The goal was to develop and plan for mātauranga (Maori knowledge) led and science supported approach to the native forest trial sites with connected whānau (shareholders) and interested entities.
The day included a presentation from Toby Stovold and Elizabeth Dunningham from Scion and how the Crown forestry research institute has supported the project to date, particularly with seed propagation, being cared for and sown.
Hineāmaru Ropati presented an inspirational indigenous hallmark of excellence framework known as Hua Parakore. Jack Vallings then provided a seed exhibit of various native trees with opportunities for attendees to taste, learn and understand more about native trees seeds.
Wānanga discussions included whānau sharing history around some of the intended trial sites to inform what native trees were best suited for those areas. The sharing of history from whānau is a critical part of the collective approach to understanding Ngāti Hine mātauranga and kaupapa Māori approaches within the project. The wānanga provided a space to not only discuss rejuvenating the forest.
Attendees urged the project team to consider the wider environment. While native trees, ngāhere Māori, seed collection and trial site development featured in the wānanga, te mauri o te wai, Ngāti Hine repo, wetlands, riparian and pest control were also underscored. Discussions included the multitude of rivers that connect to the Bay of Islands and Kaipara harbours. Those harbours being fed from Ngāti Hine awa and the impact the forests have on the rivers.
It was highlighted that Ngāti Hine has one of the biggest wetlands in the country being the home of the tuna, matuku and pukeko. Attendees urged the project team to consider how the wetlands and repo have progressively dried up and how that ties into the strategy.
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