In mid-2022, Otaraua Hapū and Ngati Rahiri Hapū came together with Parininihi ki Waitotara (PKW) and Tawhirikura Hapū to plant the whenua near Todd Energy’s Mangahewa C wellsite in north Taranaki.
Rawiri Doorbar from Otaraua Hapū led a karakia at Atkinson Nurseries, followed by a korero about the kaupapa by project manager, Marie Gregory-Hunt. Following this, the native plants, locally eco-sourced and chosen to support the whakapapa of the ngahere and rakau around the Tikorangi area, were transported up to Todd’s Mangahewa C site.
The first three trees were planted by Alice Doorbar from Otaraua Hapū, Peggie Templeton from Ngati Rahiri Hapū and members of Todd Energy’s Community team to symbolise the partnership of the wider biodiversity project that will support the whenua for years to come.
Since the initial planting, Otaraua Hapū – as kaitiaki of the whenua – have continued to maintain the planting with regular weeding and infill planting as required.