Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group has adopted its draft Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy and is seeking public feedback on its nine strategic objectives.

The document, titled 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 (life force), health and wellbeing of the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua (Matatā lagoon and surrounds).

Chairman Leith Comer (Ngāti Rangitihi) said this was a pivotal step towards delivering 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.”

The document represents the shared views of six Tarawera Awa iwi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, along with elected representatives from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Kawerau District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Whakatāne District Council.

Submissions are open from April 28 to May 25.