A small seed of hope, planted by whānau Māori ki Tāhuna over several decades, led to the establishment of this charitable trust in 2020, committed to positive social, cultural and environmental development.

‍

A passion to preserve the Queenstown Lakes for future tamariki (children) and mokopuna (grandchildren), has been the driving force behind Mana Tāhuna Charitable Trust's focus on restoring biodiversity around Whakatipu basin.

Through $4.45 million in funding from the Jobs for Nature programme, Mana Tāhuna’s most significant environmental undertaking has been improving water quality of Wai Whakaata | Lake Hayes. More than 10,000 hectares of freshwater catchment has been restored, hundreds of pests have been removed, and more than 140,000 native trees planted.

Alongside partner agency Friends of Lake Hayes, these tireless efforts will help create a habitat for native birds and insects, reinstating the land for future generations to enjoy.

The successful installation of two sediment traps on nearby private properties has improved the lake’s water quality by starving it of sediment which was fuelling toxic algal blooms. The traps - Pukunui at Mill Creek and Pukuiti on McMullan Stream – have slowed down the water flow before reaching the lake, leaving the sediment to settle in a man-made pond.

In addition to benefiting the water quality of Wai Whakaata Lake Hayes, the trapped sediment supports planting of native trees with local environmental legend Micael Sly combining it with his compost, along with food waste from around the region.

Five hectares of willow trees have been cleared from around the region’s streams and rivers, a problematic species in New Zealand due to their invasive rapidly spreading attributes, which compete with our native vegetation.

Cora Heister, Mana Tāhuna Taiao Manager, says the work of Mana Tāhuna wouldn’t be possible without incredible support from the community.

“Hundreds of people have volunteered their time, planting thousands of native seedlings sourced from nurseries throughout the Queenstown Lakes. Some of the planting areas can only be accessed through private land and with amazing support from neighbours we’ve been able to gain access through their properties,” she said.

Mana Tāhuna is also committed to social outcomes for whānau in Tāhuna and te taiao (the environment) is a large component of that. The Wai Whakaata project has ensured more than 40 whānau within the justice system have more meaningful rehabilitation methods alongside several rangatahi (young people), in partnership with Oranga Tamariki. The invasive pest programmes have seen over two tonnes of venison processed for food banks and seven tonnes of willow felled for firewood to combat energy hardship.  

While this mahi (work) is a great gift to the community, there is more to be done and Mana Tāhuna hopes to secure more funding to plant another 8kms of trees and continue to maintain the sediment traps to help reduce water flow into the lake.

‍