Media Release

Co-management plan for Parangarahu Lakes area open for consultation
The management focus for the Parangarahu Lakes area is soon to be clarified with the release of a draft co-management plan and proposed changes to the East Harbour section of the Parks Network Plan.

The Parangarahu Lakes area is located along Wellington’s south-east coast and features the nationally significant Lake Kohangapiripiri and Lake Kohangatera, their associated wetlands and the culturally significant dendroglyph (tree carvings).

Management of the area is overseen jointly by Greater Wellington Regional Council and the Port Nicholson Block Settlement Trust through a ‘Roopu Tiaki’ or guardianship group. The Roopu Tiaki have prepared the Co-Management Plan which includes the key focus areas:

• Restoration of native fish habitat and fish migration passages from the lakes to the sea.
• Continued native plantings, predator, terrestrial and aquatic weed control.
• Continued monitoring with the addition of Māori cultural health indicators
• Public education and support to protect beaches and the health of the lakes.
• Protection of significant cultural heritage, including the recording of oral histories and provision of visitor information.
• Enabling Taranaki Whānui iwi members to exercise their kaitiaki responsibilities.
• A new walking track to replace the removed boardwalk
• Advocating for secured links to the Rimutaka Cycle Trail.

The Roopu Tiaki liaises closely with stakeholders including government agencies, neighbours and volunteers, and appreciates the efforts of all parties to protect and enhance the cultural, historic andecological values of the area. The preparation of the plan includes an initial phase of consultation, involving public workshops, Taranaki Whānui hui and written submissions.

The plan will be open for public consultation from March 19 to May 21.

The draft plans are available at: www.gw.govt.nz/pla or GWRC offices in Upper Hutt, 1056 Fergusson Drive or Shed 39, Centerport, Wellington, or at PNBST office Tramways Building,1-3 Thorndon Quay, Wellington. A series of drop-in sessions will be advertised on the website.
Submissions can be made online or sent to: Parangarahu Draft Plan, Greater Wellington Regional Council, PO Box 11646, Manners Street, Wellington 6142 or email: parks@gw.govt.nz or fax 04 385 6960.

ENDS

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