Iwi in the far north have started contacting whānau in an ambitious plan to help improve their resilience to drought and increase job opportunities..

The three-year Puna Wai Ora Drought Relief Programme has received $8 million from the Government to install water tanks in homes and community facilities.

It’s being led by Te Aupōuri Iwi Development Trust.

Chair Rhonda Kite says whānau in Muriwhenua have had to endure some of the most severe and prolonged drought conditions, leading to water shortages, restrictions and many households facing the exorbitant cost of refilling their tanks.

She says with climate change is only going to get worse, installing water tanks is only part of the solution, and Puna Wai Ora will also promote water conservation.

For the pilot phase whānau will be identified by phone and site assessments will be done by local whānau connectors and infrastructure partners, with the aim to have water tank systems in 30 homes by the time the main works programme starts in March 2022.