A bright future for Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui

Where’s the most photogenic landscape on the south coast?

The iconic Baring Head lighthouse

It’s at Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui, according to a participant on Greater Wellington’s online forum to discuss the future of Greater Wellington’s new addition to East Harbour Regional Park. Other comments include “the park is so accessible from the city yet the area is so remote and wild” and “the views at Baring Head are simply stunning”.

Feedback from the online forum will be used to develop a draft management plan, along with Greater Wellington’s research into the park’s recreation opportunities, ecology and heritage. (The forum on Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui has finished but you can view the comments.)

The draft management plan for Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui will be out for public consultation in early 2012.

Get involved in the future of Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui

The Friends of Baring Head Trust is a community group formed to protect and enhance the values of Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui. They formed less than a year ago and have already signed a memorandum of understanding with Greater Wellington and made great progress on developing their projects. If you’d like to get involved with the Friends’ work, visit their website for more information or write to PO Box 38 076, Wellington Mail Centre – they want to hear from you.

Iwi inextricably linked to Ōrua-Pouanui

Taranaki Whānui Kaumatua Sam Jackson at the opening of Baring Head/Ōrua-Pouanui earlier this year

This land is historically significant to mana whenua. Ōrua-Pouanui and the neighbouring Parangarahu lakes were important for mahinga kai (food gathering), and were launching bases for the movement of iwi both by sea and land. The two places are inextricably linked to mana whenua, and the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust’s support of Greater Wellington’s ownership and management of Ōrua-Pouanui highlights Greater Wellington’s connection and special relationship with iwi.