The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) has cleared a pathway towards further ecological restoration and the creation of new walkways in the Tamahere Gully Network.
Waikato District Council has signed an MOU with the Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust which formalises the effective and positive working relationship between both parties.
The relationship allows for the Trust to bring to life Council’s 2016 district-wide Trails Strategy and the 2016 Tamahere Cycling Strategy within the ward.
The Trust’s primary focus will be to negotiate the easements with landowners surrounding the gully, develop the walkways, and restore the native ecology within Mangaone, Mangaharakeke and Mangaonui (Tamahere) gully network.
Council says it will support and guide the implementation of the project alongside the trust.
Deputy Mayor, Aksel Bech said he was proud of the relationship that had been fostered between the parties and the benefits the completed projects would bring to the Tamahere community.
“We have a large amount of work ahead of us, but this relationship allows us to achieve more for the benefit of the district, whilst empowering our local communities to lead pieces of work within our strategies,” Cr Bech said.
The new walkways will connect the neighbourhoods of Tamahere and provide safe passage for children to and from schools.
Once the restoration project is complete, locals and visitors will be able to enjoy the extensive gully network that is the hidden jewel of Tamahere, said Cr Bech.
The restoration and development of the Tamahere Gully Network is a top priority initiative identified by the community as part of Waikato District Council’s Blueprints.
This project supports Tamahere to build a strong identity; another top priority for the ward as it continues to grow.
The Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust is a locally-led cohort with expertise and passion for the environment.
Operating as a charitable organisation since 2013, the Trust has spent over 10,000 volunteer hours planting natives, removing invasive species, and maintaining grounds across the Tamahere ward.
Tamahere resident and Chairperson of the trust, Leo Koppens said he was delighted to formalise the positive working relationship.
“Under the stewardship of Waikato District Council, the MOU allows close collaboration between both parties and to ensure a key asset is managed and maintained into the future.”
“The restoration work could not proceed without volunteer works and funding. The Tamahere Mangaone Restoration Trust appreciates the support of Waikato District Council, key stakeholders and the generosity of funding organisations to enable us to protect our backyard,” said Mr Koppens.
The project is one of many in Council’s Blueprints, which will help realise its vision of creating liveable, thriving and connected communities.
