The momentum continues to grow for the Guardians of the Ruakituri River group.

On Tuesday the 13th of April 2021, landowners, tangata whenua, Marae representatives and agency gathered together at the local Ruakituri school to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU is a historical milestone in the groups journey and marks the beginning of a long term community commitment towards the enhancement of the Ruakituri River.

Nuku Hadfield, group’s Chair and local farmer, welcomed everybody and thanked the group for the work delivered during the past few months. She read the mission statement developed by the group “Ka ora te whenua me te hapori i te oranga o te awa” – “If the river is thriving so too will the land and the people” and acknowledged the support received from local farmers, tangata whenua and local Marae.

Nuku announced the formal creation of an Incorporated Society ” The Guardians of the Ruakituri river Inc ” which gives the group the ability to apply for public funding and benefit from a Charity status.

Nuku also announced the launch of the group’s website accessible from any browser on : ruakituriguardians.com. This website will be the groups official platform to communicate with whanau and the wider public.

The Erepeti Marae was well represented and Matiu Bartlett was thanked for taking the time to attend this hui and sign the MoU on behalf of the Erepeti Marae.

The school children are part of this journey with the Guardians and took an active part of the ceremony by singing waiata. A big thank you for their contribution!

The Guardians of the Ruakituri river group are all working together to leave their Tamariki a legacy they can be proud of.

On Tuesday the 2d of March 2021, a second mapping session took place at the Ruakituri school. The momentum is growing and the Guardians are building a comprehensive and large scale community lead catchment management plan.

A big thank you to all the landowners who have made the time to work collectively towards the same vision

On the 12th of February 2021, 34 landowners representing over 20 properties gathered at the school to discuss the next step for the catchment group. All landowners agree with the approach and see the benefit of working collaboratively to progress an ambitious community vision. The next step for the group will be to become a legal entity which they are in the process of creating. Well done to the Guardians of the Ruakituri River.

On the 3d of February 2021, Nuku Hadfield, Peter MacCarthy, Pat O’Brien and Nic Caviale Delzescaux present their community vision at the HBRC Integrated Catchment Management Committee Chaired by Hinewai Ormsby in Napier. Both groups are seeking co funding to leverage support from the Fresh Water Improvement Fund.

On the 9th of February 2021, Nic Caviale Delzescaux from Terra Tangata Consulting came to the Ruakituri school to start mapping a Catchment Management Plan. This information will be used to apply for funding.

On the 28th of January, Nicolas Caviale Delzescaux from Terra Tangata Consulting is invited to attend a landowners meeting on Awarua Station to discuss a way forward for the Catchment Group. The group brainstorms ideas for it’s first application to the Fresh Water Improvement fund.