Life-force restored to land
Green trading helps trust breathe new life into a former forestry block that had lain idle for decades
After decades sitting idle, the future is looking bright for Paengaroa South 3. Trust chair, Michele Hawe, said the whenua was once a place of abundance and they hope to return that legacy for future generations.
Thanks to funding from Te Puni Kōkiri Whenua Māori Fund, Paengaroa South 3 can finally look to restore the mauri to their whenua.
“This block was once a maara kai for Rangitihi tipuna. We are all descended from the kuia who came from Tainui and married into Te Arawa. The land has a lot of history,” said Michele.
Trustee Jimi Mclean says the whenua, located 40 minutes from Rotorua, had been sitting idle for 20 years.
“The whenua was once good pastureland before this forestry company came along,” said Jimi.
“They planted eucalyptus trees which didn't take, then ten-foot-high blackberries started taking over. The company stopped paying rent, filed for bankruptcy, and effectively walked off the land with a lot of damage done,” he added.
Jimi joined the trust in 2017 and along with the other trustees set about sorting back-dated council rates, Te Tumu Paeroa administration fees and work out a plan to clear the now ‘diseased' plantation.
“We had a quote of $90k to clear the trees but had $13k in the bank. So, we found a forestry contractor who does firewood on the weekend and a young farmer whose cows will keep the berries down, it's all about green trading.
“We then looked at the books and thankfully, Western Bay Council agreed to write off the back-dated rates,” Jimi said.
Te Puni Kōkiri Senior Advisor Margaret (Marg) Courtney has been working alongside the Trust to support their whenua aspirations.
Said Michele: “TPK has helped us see the potential under the paru.
“Thanks to Marg and the funding, we were able to engage Glenn Hawkins & Associates, who helped us run whānau workshops and training.
“They also provided recommendations and a business plan.
“We're excited to present these options to the Board. These are native trees, berries or kiwifruit enterprises and potentially even housing.
“We're working hard to get it in a good space for the next generation to take over,” added Michele.
Looking to engage your whenua? Tupu NZ helps whānau connect with, govern, and develop Māori freehold land across Aotearoa, more here: https://www.tupu.nz/
This block was once a maara kai for Rangitihi tipuna. We are all descended from the kuia who came from Tainui and married into Te Arawa. The land has a lot of history