Feedback sought on eco village plan

Public submissions can now be made for the Matuku Moana development in Pukehina, which aims to be the most sustainable and ecologically friendly nature reserve and eco village in the South Pacific.

Matuku Moana, if it gets the green light, will deliver 140ha of natural wetlands and 139 energy-efficient eco homes to the region.

Matuku Moana Project environmental and cultural manager Buddy Mikaere says the development will restore historic wetlands in Pukehina.

“In our proposal every home will be offset with one hectare of wetlands, which act as a natural filter and help clean runoff water from local farms.”

Wetlands also provide a natural habitat for native flora, fauna and birds.

The Bay of Plenty region has lost an estimated 97 per cent of its freshwater wetlands, more than the national average of 90 per cent.

“This project is essentially about reinstating the land to its former glory, how nature intended it to be,” says Buddy. “But we need public support to go ahead, we’re calling for people to write in and show their enthusiasm for the ambitious goals we have set for delivering a worldclass sustainable development.

“Matuku Moana is a chance to prototype a sustainable model for housing developments; the Bay of Plenty will be able to ‘hero’ this project as the gold standard for future developments in New Zealand and around the world,” he says.

The 139-home eco village will incorporate the latest green technology. Each home will be energy-efficient complete with solar energy, solar hot water, water tanks to recycle grey water and will use the world’s most advanced sewerage recycling and disposal system.

Maori heritage and culture will be incorporated into the design elements of the development.

Not only are local iwi being engaged from the outset, but the concept of Kaitiakitanga (guardianship of the land) will also be woven into the fabric of the development, with local iwi set to play a role in the governance of the restored land, which will be protected by a trust.

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This project is essentially about reinstating the land to its former glory, how nature be.’ intended it to

BUDDY MIKAERE Matuku Moana Project environmental and cultural manager

■ Submissions can be made at matukumoana.co.nz