KMR/TFBT partnership forum lifting resilience

The value of collaboration and knowledge sharing was to the fore again thanks to another Kaipara Moana Remediation and Forest Bridge Trust resilience focussed partnership forum at Te Aroha Pā Marae.

KMR Pou Tātaki Justine Daw says The Forest Bridge Trust (TFBT) is doing an amazing job in their role delivering on KMR’s kaupapa throughout the Auckland catchment of the Kaipara Moana.

“TFBT has deep farm and community links and they are doing a great job in helping build resilience in our communities, while KMR’s co-funding model is helping our partners support more people, so everyone can take advantage of the opportunity,” says Justine.

“And we appreciate Auckland Council’s work in partnership to help people fence off and protect remnant forests to help landowners protect their special areas of biodiversity. We encourage people to get in quick to partner with us and take advantage of funding opportunities to fence areas of farmland and prepare the whenua for planting natives this winter and beyond.

“We are also pleased we are all able to share the best practice we are developing on this journey,” says Justine.

Throughout the forum, attendees heard from an array of speakers from TFBT, KMR, Auckland Council, QEII National Trust and the Upper Arapārera Catchment Group – all sharing compelling stories, journeys, learnings and collaborations, including Biodiversity Focus Areas (voluntary protection and restoration efforts).

It was noted that BFA’s have a strong synergy with TFBT, Auckland Council and KMR, enabling landowners to build resilience on their journey to reduce sediment generation and improve the mauri of the Kaipara Moana to protect our most vulnerable species.

Other subjects covered in depth included KMR’s catchment wide perspective, building resilience in hill country farming, resilient communities after droughts, storms and Cyclone Gabrielle, the immense value of (and learnings from) wetlands and safeguarding indigenous biodiversity for future generations, while TFBT Kaiwhakahaere Ana Christmas spoke of building resilience within Te Taiao.

“When we speak of Tohu o te taiao – signs from the natural world – it is important to note that biodiversity restoration is more than conservation. It is about restoring the tohu and ensuring the signs of life return to the whenua and waters,” says Ana.

“It is also about working towards restoring the whakapapa and mauri of the whenua and moana that supports the health and wellbeing of people. We continue to work alongside land stewards and kaitiaki and what is ever present for us is what the land actually needs.

“That is where protecting wetlands is so important because wetlands are hotspots for biodiversity. Wetlands are an amazing tool because they regulate water and they are the last frontier before the water goes into the Moana. Restoring wetlands is critical and local knowledge is key to that, along with the guidance from Field Advisors to support landowners in their restoration journey.”

QEII National Trust’s Jess Reaburn also noted the importance of collaboration, saying the QEII/KMR partnership is about ensuring and enhancing project outcomes, with values linked and protected forever.

She says QEII was established in 1977 as a solution to a growing desire to protect and preserve Aotearoa’s national and cultural heritage for future generations – a legacy being continued by all taking part in the KMR/TFBT Partnership Forum.

Meanwhile, KMR Board Chair Tame Te Rangi was part of the hui and encouraged attendees to look for the simple things that can be done for the land.

“Making a change and a difference starts at home and in the community. I want to encourage you all to keep going because you are on the right track with your mahi. The more cohesion the better,” says Tame.

Master of ceremonies for the day Tamati Patuwai believes it takes a village to care for the earth and the waters and that we are human and ecological families.

“When the land is well, the people are well. The water, the land, awa and moana carry the memory of its own vitality, waiting for us to remember our role as kaitiaki,” says Tamati.

“This is not just a duty it is a privilege, an inheritance, and a promise. If we are brave enough to restore our relationship with the whenua and the wai, they will, in turn, restore us.”

Image credit – Lorna Doogan – Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust