Quality Improvement: Taranaki Catchment Communities – For taking action to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values within water bodies in Taranaki. The group is made up of farmers with a shared passion for a sustainable future. They work on a range of initiatives around Te Maunga, raising awareness of how fundamental freshwater is to our environment. Paul Turner, Taranaki Catchment Communities Project Leader, says: “For us, water has always been an integral part of our culture and
Community category winners in the 2020 Taranaki Regional Council Environmental Awards. Category sponsor: Methanex Waitara Taiao - for outstanding advocacy and voluntary effort to protect and restore native biodiversity and te taiao o Waitara. Waitara Taiao shows how much can be achieved when a community develops and owns a conservation project. From small beginnings under local couple Tama and Gina Blackburn and their son Epiha, it’s grown into an effective and valuable predator control
New Plymouth students and residents are already experiencing benefits from Towards Predator-Free Taranaki, as residents unite to support biodiversity by removing predators - the biggest project of its kind in New Zealand. It’s less than a year since Taranaki’s community started working together in June 2018, but work is well underway restoring biodiversity by removing rats, stoats and possums from rural, urban and conservation land in a long-term region-wide project, supported by $11.7 million
control predators, adapt to climate change and manage resources. Chair Charlotte Littlewood says the LTP will enable the Council to respond to the gathering pace of regulatory reform and funding changes while ensuring work continues on improving lifestyles, supporting livelihoods and taking the region forward. “We want as many people as possible to get involved with our community conversation and share their views on the big decisions we have to make,” says Mrs Littlewood. “The six key focus areas
predators have come from Oākura, Ōkato and Omata to Oanui locals of all ages, from young children, teens, mums and dads, through to grandparents. They’ve trickled in since about 300 residents came through the door at a community open day to rejuvenate biodiversity, called Restore Kaitake, on Sunday 5 August. “I’ve been flat-out co-ordinating heaps of people wanting to help, getting more traps and managing who’ll set the traps then monitor them. Everyone’s really keen to get involved, it’s just great,”
planet. Inspired by visits to Hollard Gardens and Rotokare Scenic Reserve, the ngahere provides a spiritual space where tamariki engage with nature. Native planting and creating a biodiverse environment has taught tamariki about sustainability and conserving water. Created with support from Matapu School, whānau and the local community and businesses, the ngahere helps tamaraki develop lifelong skills in caring for our environment. Spotswood College - for empowering rangatahi to take action to build a
Papatūānuku (Mother Earth) and their role as caretakers of our planet. Inspired by visits to Hollard Gardens and Rotokare Scenic Reserve, the ngahere provides a spiritual space where tamariki engage with nature. Native planting and creating a biodiverse environment has taught tamariki about sustainability and conserving water. Created with support from Matapu School, whānau and the local community and businesses, the ngahere helps tamaraki develop lifelong skills in caring for our environment. Spotswood
Kotahi with the goal of securing funding for network improvements. Transport Engagement Manager, Cheryl Gazley, says this is an exciting phase as it’s an opportunity for the Council to hear directly what would make bus travel more attractive to locals. "We’re getting down to the nitty-gritty, the stuff that really matters to people. Previous consultations have identified common improvement area, and now it's time for specific details. “The community has asked for enhancements in four focus areas: bus
A successful community consultation has revealed key themes that will help Taranaki Regional Council improve the future of public transport in the region. The Council’s Executive, Audit & Risk Committee today heard verbal submissions from 19 of the 403 individuals, groups and organisations who gave feedback on the draft Better Travel Choices for Taranaki strategy. The Better Travel Choices for Taranaki strategy will feed into the 2024-2027 planning and funding cycles of the 2024/2034 Long-Term
Public transport has been topical in Taranaki recently, with many in our community calling for a different and better way of doing things. It’s a long-overdue and important kōrero that frankly, we’re delighted to see happening. We all agree change is needed, the question is what that change looks like and how it’s funded. Taranaki Regional Council is responsible for public transport in our region, operating the Citylink, Connector, Southlink and most school bus services. It’s been a busy year