A major push to restore the health and mauri of Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua is now underway, with the chair of the Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group urging communities to have their say on a long-term plan aimed at healing generations of environmental damage.
Leith Comer says the strategy sets out a vision to reverse decades of degradation across the catchment, focusing on improving water quality, restoring biodiversity, and reconnecting people to the awa. The plan is grounded in the idea of transforming generations of harm into generations of healing, acknowledging the historical impacts on both the environment and local iwi, while laying out a pathway for sustainable recovery.
At the centre of the strategy is a long-term framework designed to guide restoration efforts over the next decade and beyond. The approach brings together mātauranga Māori and scientific knowledge, aiming to ensure that practical actions on the ground are both culturally informed and environmentally effective. It prioritises coordinated efforts across agencies and communities, with clear goals and staged progress to rebuild the health of the river system.
Public submissions are seen as critical to shaping the final strategy. The group is seeking a wide range of perspectives, including local knowledge, lived experiences, and concerns about land use, water quality, and access. Feedback from whānau, landowners, and community groups will help refine priorities and ensure the plan reflects the realities of those most closely connected to the awa.
Partnership is a key focus, with iwi, local councils, industry, and residents all expected to play a role in delivering the strategy. In practice, that means shared decision-making, transparent communication, and a commitment to collective responsibility for the future of the catchment. Restoring the awa is not only about environmental repair, but also about strengthening cultural connections and ensuring the wellbeing of communities for generations to come.
Submissions are now open, marking an important step in what is being described as one of the most significant restoration efforts in the region’s history.
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