Southland Ecological Restoration Network

Southland Ecological Restoration Network

A Network of Southland Community Conservation Projects

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Project

May • OLGs Bushy Point, Otatara

Te Kōawa Mahinga Kai Restoration Project

Location:
Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu (formally Jericho Valley), 3023 Blackmount-Redcliff Road
Region:
Western Southland
District:
SDC
Commenced:
2001
Access:
Open to Ngāi Tahu Whānui and others by prior arrangement,
Area (ha):
445
Contact:
Vanessa Horwell
Phone:
021 025 56918
Email:
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Website:
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Description

"Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is a registered charity who's mission is to promote and enhance the active relationship of Ngāi Tahu people with the mahinga kai resource of the Waiau Catchment. Mahinga kai is traditional food and resource gathering but also encompasses how and where resources were gathered, access to mahinga kai sites, tikanga/customary practices and the sustainability of the resource, including looking after it for future generations. Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust is undertaking a comprehensive ecological and mahinga kai restoration project to restore the 445 ha property at Te Kōawa Tūroa o Takitimu. The aims of this project are: - to protect and enhance the ecological and mahinga kai values at this site; - to reconnect people back to the land by promoting the use and access to the site, particularly for the benefit of all Murihiku Rūnanga, and more broadly Ngāi Tahu; and - to promote the cultural significance of the site in the context of the Takitimu Range. This restoration will be done using a holistic approach encompassing ki uta ki tai philosophy – from the mountains to the sea. The restoration and protection of this valley will also provide a refuge for indigenous wildlife by providing habitat, a food source and protection from introduced pests. It will provide a wildlife corridor from the Takitimu Conservation Area through to Fiordland National Park and the Te Wāhipounamu Unesco World Heritage Area. The project includes site-wide pest control, weed control, stream restoration and riparian planting, wetland enhancement, and native replanting and incorporates mātauranga Māori. The restoration is being done with a mahinga kai focus. "

Historic involvement

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu, Nga Kete Pounamu Charitable Trust. Ōraka-Aparima Rūnaka

Current involvement

Te Waiau Mahika Kai Trust

2022 Looking up the valley to the Takitimus. With a good local seed source, natural regeneration is already coming through the broom.
2022 Ponds that were constructed in the early stages of the project to provide habitat for fish and waterfowl.
2022 Monitoring water quality is a part of the project.
2022 Plantings done by Mahinga Kai Trust members. Note plastic surrounds, requiring just one stake. Unfortunately not UV stable and fell apart in about one year.
2022 Akonga (pupils) from Te Kura o Te Anau celebrate a day's planting. Cardboard surrounds used here. Photo credit: Jana Davis.
Project Directory

Other projects in Western Southland

  • Goble's Gully, Riverton
  • Mores Reserve, Riverton
  • Owen Conservation Project
  • Pourakino Reserve, Riverton
  • Te Wai Korari Wetland, Riverton

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Our Supporters

Invercargill City Council Environment Southland Department of Conservation Forest and Bird Southland Community Nursery
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