Tū Te Manawa, a project to enhance iwi and hapū involvement in the Manawatū River and its catchment, are celebrating a $534,000 Te Mana o Te Wai grant today at Te Manawa Art, Science, and History Museum today.
Since the initiation of the Manawatū River Leaders’ Accord, iwi leaders from the Manawatū have actively supported the improvement of the Manawatū River.
Earlier today, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Māori Party Co-leader Marama Fox announced a $534,000 Te Mana o Te Wai grant for the $814,000 Tū Te Manawa project.
In addition to iwi contributions of $40,000 from Rangitāne o Tamaki Nui a Rua, Horizons Regional Council has provided $220,000, Palmerston North City Council $10,000, and Tararua District Council $10,000 in additional funding.
Tū Te Manawa project executive Hone Morris says the overall purpose of the project is to enhance iwi involvement in the river’s restoration, and increasing its mana through communicating stories that reconnect iwi and hapū with their awa.
“The Manawatū River runs from Norsewood to Foxton Beach. It encompasses many tributaries and crosses the Tararua, Manawatū and Horowhenua Districts,” says Mr Morris.