PTC Trust in collaboration with Waimarino Education Trust crafted a unique kayaking journey for our Putaruru students. ‘Ko Te Wairoa, He Whakaora Whenua, He Whakaora Tangata. “The Wairoa River, a River that gives life to the land and the People”.

Students learnt that ‘the Wairoa River is about 14km in length, flows into the Tauranga Harbour located on the eastern coast of the North Island and is the largest freshwater tributary to harbour. To the south and west are the bush-covered Kaimai Ranges. The Wairoa River and its tributaries form the largest catchment of Tauranga Harbour. There are a number of tributaries that feed directly into the Wairoa River; the main tributaries include Mangakarengorengo, Opuiaki, Mangapapa, Omanawa below Ruahihi, and Ruangangara (Ohourere).

According to Wairoa River Valley Strategy October 2013 report, a key vision for the river is that “the Wairoa River Valley forms a green corridor that runs through farmland and bush, parks and reserves and the urban landscape. Within the green corridor, the river and its surrounds create tranquil settings, places for relaxation, recreation, working and living. The iconic landscape that is the Wairoa River Valley can be viewed from vantage points that allow this peaceful natural and cultural landscape to be appreciated by all.”

“This Vision means that by 2055…. The valley will be a sustainable environment through cooperative council and community practice of kaitiakitanga or stewardship. It will be a place that offers a range of experiences, balancing the isolated wilderness values in the Wairoa River’s upstream reaches and the enjoyment of passive and active recreation in the lower reaches. This Vision seeks to protect the unique values and sense of place inherent to the Wairoa River Valley whilst accommodating the long term community benefits that derive from the natural environment and its resources”.

Blair our expert guide from Waimarino, identified the climatic effects and human impacts on the river over time and explained the actions needed to realise our vision for a green corridor.

There are simple things we can all do to live more sustainably. Factual image from Sherpasforlife.