Protecting precious Waipuna Wetland

Guarantees to keep a culturally and ecologically significant wetland and spring in Waikawa have been made as housing development planning progresses.

Waipuna Wetland was originally a part of resource consent for the new Endeavour Heights subdivision.

But it has since been saved thanks to the collaborative work of Te Ātiawa o Te Waka a Māui, Marlborough District Council and developers Endeavour Park Developments.

Philip Sim guided Te Ātiawa o te Waka-a-Māui’s Environmental Manager Kristie Paki Paki, Kaitohutohu Taiao Renēe Love and Kaitiaki Josh Huntley, and Marlborough District Council’s Ruihana Smith and Dean Keats around the culturally significant wetland and water springs which sustained his ancestors for seven generations.

“People know about the springs, but they’re not kept elevated in prominence,” Philip says.

“Before subdivisions on the east side of Endeavour Stream, much of the area was wetlands, so we need to understand the impact on the development’s land, the manmade drain streams and the natural waterways.”

Renēe says much work had been put in through the subdivision consent process to ensure future flooding analysis work was done, and the wetland was protected.

“The preservation of the wetland was a great outcome for the developers, whānau, and the community after consultation, and to be able to protect a wāhi tapu in an area that no longer has many wetlands has been incredibly important to us.

“It is within walking distance to the local schools, Waikawa Marae and the community gardens, so we have visions of whānau being able to to wānanga (learn) and mahinga kai (gather resources) like raupō, harakeke flax, tuna (eels) and tī kouka (cabbage trees)”.

For Kristie, the day was a chance to look forward.

“It’s great to be able to acknowledge Philip and the Sim’s whānau history, get more context to the subdivision, streams and stormwater impacts in the wetland

“We are looking forward to working together to restore the mauri of the area.

Marlborough District Council’s Iwi Relations Advisor, Ruihana Smith, emphasised how crucial water is to Māori,  saying how pleased he was to see the water springs and wetlands being protected.

“Scientifically we are mostly water, so it does really mean everything, but when you ask someone’s name "ko wai ahau" literally translates to “what waters do you descend from”, and “wairua” talks about two parents and the life force through the converging of water,” he says.

For Philip, it was an emotional day.

“My whanau caught tuna (eels) in this stream, so I’m incredibly pleased that we’ve been able to catch and release three tuna this morning”, he grinned.

“Having Ruihana play the kōauau flute at the spring was emotional, bone-chilling even – I felt like I was there with my grandmother and her whānau.

“Without this water spring and wetlands supplying my ancestors, I wouldn’t be here, so I’m glad to see it’s a priority to ensure it remains protected”.