March 06, 2020
Billion Trees grants for Te Tai Tokerau
An ambitious plan to restore some of the native forests that used to exist between North Hokianga and Kaitaia has got a boost through the grant of almost $500,000 from the One Billion Trees programme to the Te Waka Pūpuri Pūtea Trust’s new Kahutia-a-Nuku Afforestation Hub
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says the hub has been set up to be a one-stop shop for forestry knowledge and skills, supported by the latest technologies.
More planting in the rohe is expected to deliver environmental benefits including more habitats for native plant and bird species; enhanced indigenous biodiversity in significant areas, improved water quality within and around the Hokianga, Whāngāpe and Ōwhata harbours and reduced erosion into the harbours.
A further $688,000 from the fund is going to plant native trees on land surrounding Kaipara Harbour.
Te Uri o Hau/Ngāti Whātua’s Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group has identified about 2500ha around the harbour suitable for planting.
It is engaging with landowners who want to prepare and submit applications to the fund for direct landowner grants.
Mr Jones says the project will enable mana whenua to be kaitiaki of the lands and waters that are their home and will contribute to halting sediment runoff into the waterways in the Kaipara and the restoration of the harbour, including Māori cultural values, ecosystem renewal, fish stock development and kaimoana restoration.
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