Ngāti Rangi is ecstatic with today’s joint ministerial announcement confirming funding of $10.8m allocated for the respective iwi to lead the remaining developments of the cycle trails in the Ruapehu region.

This morning Minister Upston confirmed the Government will fund the completion of Te Ara Mangawhero (Ngāti Rangi) and progress Te Hangāruru (Te Korowai o Wainuiārua) as part of a ‘regional resilience’ approach.

Ngāti Rangi Chair, Tomairangi Mareikura, described this initiative as directly addressing the invisibility of the iwi and economic uncertainty of the region, which underpinned Rukutia Te Mana; the Ngāti Rangi Claims Settlement Act.

“It was wonderful to see Minister Potaka confirm in his statement that Ngā Waihua o Paerangi Trust will be “leading this mahi” for Te Ara Mangawhero, the 13km extension that will complete the trail” said Ms Mareikura.

“Leadership enacts the promise of self-determination our iwi is looking for” said Ms Mareikura. “Te Ara Mangawhero embodies the dreams of our tupuna; to walk, play and enjoy the majestic landscape we share with the wider community. Building, preparing, riding and walking Te Ara Mangawhero is all about celebrating and uplifting the House of Paerangi”.

Pou Ārahi Helen Leahy also spoke to the collaboration that is vital to the success of this project.

“Ngāti Rangi recognises the important support provided by Ngā Ara Tūhono Mountains to Sea Trust and the Department of Conservation as well as Ruapehu District Council, Kānoa (Regional Economic Development and Investment Unit), Horizons Regional Council; ROAM, Cheal and Wildlands Consulting; and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment”.

“Three years ago, on 24 March 2022, Ruapehu District Council and Ngāti Rangi entered into a Heads of Agreement which confirmed that after the cycleway is completed the Council will ‘transfer and/or divest itself of ownership of the cycleway and cycleway assets to Ngāti Rangi’. We have been working hard to ensure this commitment to the iwi is achieved, and as such, it was humbling to have the Mayors of Ruapehu (Weston Kirton) and Whanganui District Council (Andrew Tripe) and the Chair of Horizons Regional Council (Nikki Riley), at the announcement today.

“We are also thrilled for Te Korowai o Wainuiārua to know the funding will include an extension for Te Hangāruru, including a 99m suspension bridge”.

“Together, these routes give expression to the tribal heartsong “e rere kau mai te wa nui mai i te Kāhui Maunga ki Tangaroa”.

Background

Te Ara Mangawhero has enabled Ngāti Rangi to fulfil important obligations as tangata tiaki o te taiao (environmental custodians) in the trail’s development, operation, and servicing.

Hosting an iwi-led trail project in the rohe of Ngāti Rangi, has provided uri with a special opportunity for showcasing the unique environment in which we live. Te Ara o Mangawhero has a range of important environmental and ecological features such as podocarp forests, trout spawning waterways, and rare plant species.

© Scoop Media