Planting day at Ōrua-pouanui/Baring Head restores the mauri of the land and people

Volunteers planted locally sourced natives at Ōrua-pouanui/Baring Head in East Harbour Regional Park on Sunday, the last day of Matariki celebrations, to continue Greater Wellington’s restoration of the dramatic and rugged valley that surrounds Wainuiomata Stream.

Historically, the section of the park was an important source for mahinga kai (gardens) for local iwi and with official Matariki celebrations concluding on 13 July, volunteers helped plant native species for the day; practising renewal and mana taiao, the Matariki value of environmental awareness.

Restoring the park has been a collaborative effort says Greater Wellington’s Park Ranger for East Harbour, Jo Greenman.

“Since grazing ended we’ve been working with mana whenua, Friends of Baring Head and other community volunteers to restore the park and facilitate a healthy ecosystem,” says Greenman.

“We’ve conducted pest plant and animal control work and planted species that help reduce grass fire risk and improve the park’s biodiversity.  

“The plants we used on Sunday were all locally sourced from a variety of local nurseries and suppliers including Forest & Bird and He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao.”

He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao, formerly known as the Hem of Remutaka, – previously a Jobs for Nature funded project in partnership with Greater Wellington Taranaki Whānui and Department of Conservation, is now carrying on as a commercial enterprise closely associated with Taranaki Whānui.

Their involvement in restoring the land of Ōrua-pouanui is part of the kaupapa of Te Āti Awa led conservation efforts says He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao Operations Manager, Gary Sue.

“Following on from the Hem of Remutaka project we are continuing environmental mahi throughout our takiwā of Te Āti Awa including Wainuiomata with the owners and the team of staff that are mostly iwi or whakapapa Māori,” says Sue.

“The restoration of Ōrua-pouanui using local eco-sourced plants, specific to the region, grown from our own nursery will cultivate an eco-system that is suited to our climate and soils and ensure the whenua thrives in future. He Kaha Tuatinitini Taiao is committed to Greater Wellington’s Recloaking Papatūānuku and Taranaki Whānui’s Toitū te taiao strategic priorities.”

More information about Greater Wellington’s restoration programme visit Greater Wellington - Recloaking Papatūānuku.