Waipoua National Reserve
PROPOSAL
Waipoua National Reserve
A national reserve at Waipoua is a unique and exciting opportunity for Te Roroa and all New Zealanders. The purpose of a national reserve status is to recognise values of national or international importance – and as such is considered the highest reserve designation.
Working with the Crown, Te Roroa would play a formative role in setting the overall framework and vision for Waipoua’s future.
Te Roroa Values
Waipoua is the ancestral home of Te Roroa, who are kaitiaki. It is recognised that Waipoua is of fundamental cultural, ecological and religious significance to Te Roroa. The Forest contains specific taonga and waahitapu of Te Roroa, including the kauri trees, urupa and kainga tupuna, as well as traditional resources.
A new governance arrangement over the national reserve would ensure recognition and respect for Te Roroa’skaitiakitanga, tikanga and mana, providing a structure to bring life to the values of Te Tarehu.
The area
The proposed area to be included in the National Reserve is as shown on the Map. It’s boundaries are those of Te Tarehu, around 12,500 ha of Waipoua Forest.
Waipoua Forest first eluded destruction by its remoteness and helped by a series of protection measures remains Aoteoroa’s largest and most intact remnant of the once vast kauri forests. The area is notable for majestic kauri, lush multilayered subtropical rainforest foliage and unspoilt rivers that flow through the forest to the ocean.It was declared a sanctuary,which finally ensured protection from logging,in 1952.
Although Waipoua already has a high level of protection, national reservestatus would raise the level of protection and enhance public recognition of its value, both nationally and internationally.
New Governance Arrangements
There is the powerful opportunity through this national reserve proposal, for Te Roroa and the Department to build an enduring structure, togovern Waipoua together into the future.
The administering body would develop the Waipoua National Reserve Management Plan, which would set out the overall management regime for the park including the vision and rules.
Further benefits
- Visitor facilities upgrade: Rakau Rangitira
A national reserve would need visitor facilities befitting of its elevated status. Funding is available for an upgrade of the visitor facilities, including tracks, carparking, toilets. This project is called Rakau Rangitira and would be implemented under the guidance of the new administering body.
- A manuhiri facility
As one of New Zealand’s most important visitor sites, the visitor facilities should be set up in a way that welcomes people and enables Te Roroa to tell its story in an appropriate way, reflecting the mana of the forest.
- Economic opportunities
A national reserve could generate opportunities for Te Roroa to realise economic benefits. Visitor related business ventures could enhance visitor experience of the Park, improve forest health and create employment for Te Roroa members.