Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Group has adopted its draft Tarawera Awa Restoration Strategy Document, consisting of nine important strategic objectives, and is now seeking public feedback on each of the strategic objectives being proposed.

The Restoration Strategy Document, titled Te Rautaki o Tarawera ki Te Awa o Te Atua – Restoring the mauri of Tarawera Awa ki Te Awa o Te Atua, is designed to restore the mauri (life force), health and wellbeing of the Tarawera Awa and Te Awa o Te Atua (Matata lagoon and surrounds), and will have benefits for all Tarawera Awa stakeholders.

Chairman Leith Comer (Ngāti Rangitihi) says this is a pivotal step towards delivering key settlement commitments of the Ngāti Rangitihi Treaty Settlement.

“It also lays a sustainable future for the river catchment, to continue to support agricultural and industrial activities, as well as recreational enjoyment for our river communities."

Mr Comer is pleased that the Strategic Document represents the shared views of six Tarawera Awa iwi, Ngāti Awa, Ngāti Mākino, Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tarāwhai, Tūhourangi and Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki Kawerau, as well as those of elected representatives from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Kawerau District Council, Rotorua Lakes Council and Whakatāne District Council.

"It has been a privilege to chair this group of senior decision makers."

The draft strategy will be released on Monday 20 April, with the public submission period running from Tuesday 28 April to Monday 25 May 2026.

To keep up to date with the current programme of work, visit tarawera.org.nz

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