Interactive day celebrates Kaituna River Document

Waka tangata travel down the river. Photo / Supplied

Waiata, waka and hīnaki were all part of an interactive day on the Kaituna River over the weekend.

Te Maru O Kaituna River Authority invited people to celebrate the Kaituna River Document with them at Waitangi Reserve, Te Puke.

The document was signed on June 22, marking a milestone for Te Maru O Kaituna River Authority which is now working on an action plan for the future management of the Kaituna River.

Te Maru O Kaituna River Authority chairman Dean Flavell said today marked the start of new beginnings for the awa (river) and he looked forward to working with locals, iwi, landowners and local authorities to ensure a sustainable future for the Kaituna River.

"The authority has prepared the document, Kaituna, he taonga tuku iho – a treasure handed down, as a statement of partnership and co-governance to deliver our vision for the river.

"The document builds on the community's energy and commitments for caring for their awa," he said.

The document outlines several objectives for the Kaituna River and its tributaries.

It sets expectation for the water quality and mauri of the water in the awa will be restored to a healthy state.

One of the ways the environmental wellbeing of the Kaituna River will be enhanced is through improved land management practices.

Waka tangata travel down the river. Photo / Supplied

Kapa haka, hīnaki demonstrations (eel/tuna fishing), bug investigations and waka tangata travelling down the awa, as well as special guests local reggae duo Native Nations performing, were all part of the celebrations.

There were interactive stalls with a number of organisations and a local kapa haka group performed. The Under-23 New Zealand Rafting Team provided a kai fundraiser and gave demonstrations.

Rotorua District councillor and Sustainable Living Portfolio leader Tania Tapsell said the authority looked at how the Kaituna River could be protected and preserved for future generations.

"The document advises how development can occur around the river so there is no significant impact.

"The wider context of it is we are having a lot of growth and development, but we need to ensure our treasures such as the river are protected."

She said the document had been four years in the making and there had been a significant amount of work put in by the authority, but also the community.

"So, to be able to celebrate alongside the different generations was really special."