Whatitiri Resource Management

The Whatitiri Resource Management Unit is looking forward to an enduring and reciprocal relationship with Kaipara Moana Remediation (KMR).

Having already partnered with KMR to repair and stock proof 755m of fencing, the focus is now moving to the possible next steps which could involve riparian weed control and the planting of appropriate native species at the Waipao Springs – also known as Porotī Springs.

Whatitiri Resource Management spokeswomen Meryl Carter and Sarah Rewi are helping front foot the drive for environmental restoration. Whatitiri Resource Management spokeswomen Meryl Carter and Sarah Rewi are helping front foot the drive for environmental restoration.

“Our hapū have been driving the restoration for over 20 years. We are so grateful to follow in the footsteps of so many kaitiaki,” they say.

“These waters are a sacred taonga to our hapū, sustaining us spiritually, culturally, and physically for generations. Mana whenua have long been kaitiaki of the Porotī springs and hold it in very high significance as a sacred and culturally important place.

“Our connection to Waipao is deep and enduring. Flowing from the womb of Whatitiri maunga, these waters are our life force (mauri), historically used for drinking, healing, and providing kai like watercress and kēwai.

“This spiritual and ecological relationship is documented through oral history and research, so restoring Kaipara Moana cannot succeed without healing these sacred spring heads as Waipao is a major input to the Wairua and Wairoa Rivers, which ultimately feed the harbour.”

Sarah is currently studying a PhD at Waipapa Taumata Rau, The University of Auckland, and she is using the Waipao Springs as a key part of the PHD.

“The project is centred around the aspirations of our people and revitalising the mauri of our ancestral waters. My training is as a terrestrial ecologist and Kaupapa Māori scientist and with these skills I am focusing on groundwater dependant ecosystems and how they can improve the quality of our waters,” says Sarah.

“Scientific and mātauranga Māori knowledge align in showing that restoring native vegetation along waterways significantly improves water quality. Invasive weeds often dominate riparian zones, outcompeting native species and failing to stabilise banks or filter runoff effectively. Their presence allows sediment and nutrients—especially nitrogen and phosphorus from farming activity—to enter waterways unchecked, contributing to algal blooms, low oxygen, and habitat loss.”

Sarah says native riparian species like tī kōuka, upokotangata, and wīwī play a vital role in filtering contaminants, shading streams to reduce temperature, and providing habitat for native aquatic species.

“Studies across Aotearoa show that where these plants are well-established, they act as natural buffers, reduce E. coli levels, and increase biodiversity. However, these benefits are only realised when initial weed removal is done thoroughly—otherwise, new plantings are quickly overwhelmed.”

KMR’s Griffin Hope says KMR’s Whenua Whānui Fund supports groups to protect waterways like the Porotī springs.

“The projects we fund include fencing off waterways to protect them from stock, weed removal and management, and native planting with appropriate riparian and culturally important species. We are excited about the opportunity to support Whatitiri Resource Management to achieve their aspirations,” says Griffin.