The Tarawera Awa Restoration Group has adopted its draft Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document, outlining nine key strategic objectives.
The document, Te Rautaki o Tarawera ki Te Awa o Te Atua – Restoring the mauri of Tarawera Awa ki Te Awa o Te Atua, is designed to restore the mauri, health, and wellbeing of the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua Matatā lagoon.
Group chairman Leith Comer said this is a crucial step towards delivering on key settlement commitments of the Ngāti Rangitihi Treaty Settlement.
“It also lays a sustainable future for the river catchment, to continue to support agricultural and industrial activities, as well as recreational enjoyment for our river communities,” he said.
Comer is pleased the document represents the views shared by six Tarawera Awa iwi: Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, including those of elected representatives from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Kawerau District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Whakatāne District Council.
The draft strategy will be released next week, Monday 20 April, and public submissions will run from Tuesday 28 April to Monday 25 May 2026.
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