November 19, 2020
Waikanae awa clean-up gets jobs boost
The Jobs for Nature fund is boosting an iwi-driven partnership to restore the Waikanae River catchment.
Conservation Minister Kiritapu Allan says an $8.5 million grant from the fund over four years will create 92 jobs in riparian fencing and planting; animal and plant pest control; and sustainable land management.
She says integrated provision of engagement, training, and employment means iwi and other people can enter the programme at different levels; learn and understand what is required, see if the mahi suits them; and build their involvement, skills, and employment options over time.
The new funding builds on the Waikanae ki Uta ki Tai mountains to sea project established last year by Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai along with Kāpiti Coast District Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Department of Conservation.
The investment supports the aspirations set out in the iwi’s Kaitiakitanga Plan, which is designed to express the intergenerational values of their tupuna.”
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