3-year plan released
Project Parore releases strategy for restoration of the northern Tauranga Harbour catchments, between Aongatete and Athenree.
Project Parore launched its three-year strategic plan to key supporters and funders in late March. The backdrop for the presentation was Rick & John Burke’s Pukekauri Farm in Te Mania catchment, a remarkable showcase for what 20 years of environmental stewardship can achieve. The plan is anchored in a Jobs for Nature grant from the Ministry for the Environment. This has enabled Project Parore to employ its own team of environmental professionals to carry out restoration and protection work in the eight catchments of the northern Tauranga Harbour.
Project Parore collaborates with farmers, orchardists, councils, iwi and volunteers on riparian fencing, native planting, fish passage restoration, wetland enhancement and pest animal and plant control, on private and council land, to restore the health of freshwater corridors and ultimately the harbour.
The primary short-term goal is to meet the expectations of the Ministry for the Environment. These expectations are expressed in thousands of native plants established; hectares of afforestation and wetland restoration; hectares of pest animal control established and regular biodiversity and water quality monitoring.
Project Parore is also focused on growing volunteer numbers and capabilities. Awareness and involvement in caring for the natural environment has benefits not only for native habitat and wildlife but also community wellbeing and resilience.
The recent tropical cyclone activity has focused the groups attention on catchments with a significant human population. Project Parore will prioritise native reafforestation and riparian planting opportunities for the Uretara, Te Rereatukahia and Waiau rivers, to reduce the future risks of flooding and silt downstream. The Uretara is also earmarked as one of three hills to harbour wildlife corridors that Project Parore aims to develop.
Project Parore’s Chair, David Peters, told the attendees that “Our whole method of working is to find people who are motivated and share our vision. Our team has the energy, tools and skills to achieve some great things, but we need willing partners to work with us.”
“We’ve come a long way but barely begun our journey. We believe it’s possible to have sustainable AND productive land use. The environmental harm that has occurred over a mere 150 years may take that long again to fix but we’re committed to doing it, with your help”.
