Just over 100 trees have been planted on site at Te Awa Lakes after a recent ceremony conducted by mana whenua from Ngāti Hauā.
Following a karakia led by Sonny Karena, workers from the Ngāti Hauā Mahi Trust undertook planting near the river bank within the Stage One area of the Te Awa Lakes development. The planting is part of the initial stages of preparing the site for eventual transformation into a mixed-use residential and tourism destination.
“We do appreciate the engagement we have had so far with this development,” said Mr Karena, saying the ceremony cleared the way for workers to proceed with planting a variety of native trees in the wetlands near the Hutchinson Road area of the site.
The Mahi Trust runs an extensive native nursery and connects young people with job training. The Trust is highly experienced in environmental restoration programmes, in conjunction with the Waikato River Authority.
“It’s really important for us to work within the River Authority’s plan for proper management of the Awa, and the tree planting is really about making sure that we have everyone with knowledge and expertise about the land and river present and taking part of the process”, said Vanessa Mills from the Perry Group.
Stage One of Te Awa Lakes includes the Horitiu BP and retail, as well as a mountain bike track and children’s play area. Other site works so far have included weed removal, ground improvements, and waterway maintenance across the whole former quarry area.
Other preparatory site works so far have included weed removal, ground improvements, and waterway maintenance across the former quarry area.