KIA HIWA RĀ, KIA HIWA RĀ! | WE NEED YOUR INPUT E TE WHĀNAU!
On 7th November, the Hapū Trust was notified by haukāinga in Pātaua South, that a digger was observed removing sand from within the Pātaua Awa to refill the groynes (fence like structures) in our awa.
Haukainga’s main concerns are:
The works being undertaken while a Rāhui is in place
No hapū/haukāinga representative monitoring during operations the disturbance of Pipi beds and pipi spat in this location
Hapū Trust Representatives, Te Whai Rohe Moana Representative, and Haukāinga Representatives, met with Shaun Dixon (WDC) and Grant Stevens (Engineer), to understand the condition of the groynes and state of works that have already been undertaken.
Below are the outcomes from the hui:
Immediately stop all works on site and in the Pātaua Awa for the next 2 weeks
Exposed sand removed from the awa to be spread on the foreshore (not in the awa) so it does not pose a health and safety risk in the meantime.
Undertake a Cultural Impact Assessment informed by the concerns of haukāinga on behalf of the Hapū Trust.
Inform council with guidance as to the Hapū’s preferred next steps
This is where you can help, we need your input!
A hui will be held early next week with our hapū and haukāinga in Pātaua, to discuss the rāhui, purpose of the groynes, the impact of groynes on the Pātaua Awa and mahinga kai areas and decide whether we should continue to maintain the groynes. Come and have your say.
