The public are invited to have their say on their vision for the future of the Rangitaiki River. The Rangitaiki River Forum is now seeking feedback on the draft Rangitaiki River Document, “Te Ara o Rangitaiki - Pathways of the Rangitaiki”.
The Forum has drafted a vision, desired outcomes and objectives for the Rangitaiki catchment in Te Ara o Rangitaiki / Pathway of the Rangitaiki.
Rangitāiki River Forum Chairman, Bronco Carson, said that he hoped the Document would be widely read and there would be a plenty of feedback on the direction the Forum had taken.
“The Rangitaiki River Document is all about everyone’s aspirations for the River and ensuring a healthy River for the benefit of present and future generations. It is a taonga (valued resource) to many, Māori and non-Māori alike.
“The River supports our economy through hydro-electricity generation, agriculture, fisheries, horticulture, forestry and tourism. But it is also more than that – it is an ancestral river and we want the mauri of the river to be enhanced.
“Balancing these multiple demands on the River continues to be a challenge and we want the Document to be a tool that will help us manage and balance our needs into the future,” Mr Carson said.
More information and an electronic version of the Document are available online at www.rangitaiki.org.nz or call our team on 0800 884 881 extn 9138/9324/9881.
Hardcopies of the draft Document are available in the Runanga offices of Ngati Whare, Ngati Manawa and Ngati Awa, the Tuwharetoa Settlement Trust offices. Also in Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices and Whakatane, Taupo and Kawerau District Council offices.
People are invited to send in their submissions in hard copy or email before 15 October 2014.
Public open days are also being held in Murupara (Saturday 6 September, 10am-2pm at the Sports Pavillion) and in Edgecumbe (Saturday 13 September, 10am-2pm in the Riverslea Shopping Mall).