Four Hawke's Bay reserves were gifted to the nation yesterday in a ceremony at Tangoio Marae.
Boundary Stream Scenic Reserve, Bellbird Bush Scenic Reserve, part of Opouahi Scenic Reserve in the Maungaharuru Range and the coastal Whakaari Landing Place Reserve.
Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust received the Department of Conservation reserves on Saturday on behalf of several hapu. The properties are part of a 2013 Treaty of Waitangi settlement and the hapu have spent the week visiting the sites with which they have cultural, spiritual, traditional and historic associations.
Maungaharuru-Tangitu Trust general manager Shayne Walker said gifting back the reserves "signifies the preparedness and generosity of the hapu to the Hawke's Bay community and our ecosystem".
"This week's hapu celebrations are an opportunity to enhance our kaitiakitanga through sharing history and stories, enjoying each other's company in our environment and further evolving our hapu aspirations."