July 03, 2024
Settlement kick starts Wairarapa restoration plan
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Wairarapa iwi at looking forward to restoring their moana to its natural glory.
Ownership of Lake Wairarapa Moana was formally returned to Rangitāne o Wairarapa Tamaki nui-ā-Rua and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki nui-a-Rua at the weekend at Papawai Marae near Greytown.
Ngati Kahungunu environmental manager Rawiri Smith says Wairarapa was named for its glistening waters, but sedimentation has dulled the shine and endangered the lake’s fish and vegetation.
“This was our storage of food, our kete for kai for people all around the Wairarapa. There were people who had places a around the lake traditionally – Ngāti Hāmua was one of those hapu who had a place around the lake for fishing so there is not the opportunity to grow our fish and that’s what we want,” he says.
Iwi are keen to make the lake a native rather than exotic fishery.