Nursery grows from successful programme
10 fulltime jobs for hapū members created
IThe nursery which is also based out of Waiohiki Marae, was a natural addition to the successful Kaitiaki Ranger programme. So far they have managed to create 10 fulltime jobs for hapu¯ members. This is not only a great outcome but a good model for other marae to follow.
t’s been two years in the making and Ngāti Pārau of Waiohiki Marae, Te Whanganui A Orotu, are opening their native plant nursery (Te Wai Mauri nursery).
The nursery is on target to have more than 100,000 seedlings for sale next winter which, if successful, will set the nursery up on a viable business pathway.
Te Wai Mauri Limited was incorporated in September 2020. Their 100 per cent shareholder is Te Wai Mauri Charitable Trust which was set up in 2015 — on the back of the aspirations of local whānau who had seen the deterioration of their whenua and awa and started working toward improving their environment. Their whole kaupapa was to restore their taiao/ natural environment.
Te Wai Mauri Limited is a hapu¯-led and owned business, established by Ngāti Pārau to provide employment opportunities involving kaitiakitanga principles. The primary focus of the business is protection of te taiao underpinned by te ao Māori and tikanga practices. On creation of their business, they invited interested wha¯nau to become Kaitiaki Rangers — who have now been trained to provide a number of services to the wider community.
The nursery, which is also based out of Waiohiki Marae, was a natural addition to the successful Kaitiaki Ranger programme. So far they have managed to create 10 fulltime jobs for hapu¯ members. This is not only a great outcome but a good model for other marae.
Their team of qualified Kaitiaki Rangers are available for environmental contracting work throughout Hawke’s Bay. Trained at EIT, they have qualifications in Growsafe for safe chemical handling, outdoor first-aid, chainsaw, LUV/quad bike licences, traffic control, fencing, pest management, small engines and also complete day skippers courses. They offer fencing, weed management, planting and pest control. Their nursery team grows native plants, locally sourced and suited to Hawke’s Bay conditions.
The development of a native plant nursery with locally sourced seeds and plants grown to suit Hawke’s Bay conditions has been a great success. The Nursery staff have Level 4 Horticulture qualifications. Hardy pioneer and riparian species are available. The opening of the Te Wai Mauri nursery will celebrate completion of the nursery development, acknowledge the many supporters, and promote and showcase the native plants which have been locally sourced in Hawke’s Bay.
Keep informed by viewing their Facebook and website pages. Orders for the 2023 planting season can be placed now.