Waikato Regional Council has released further details of the “Green” funding projects in Thames-Coromandel which the Council has applied for from central government’s Post-Covid 19 stimulus fund.

Coromandel harbour and catchment plan delivery:

Non statutory plans for Whitianga/Mercury Bay and Coromandel consulted on over the last two years and to be published in June 2020. Would deliver large scale soil and water improvements over combined 68,000ha.

Manaia River sub catchment restoration:

Project developed in partnership with Ngati Pukenga, Ngaati Whanaunga and Ngāti Maru whanau through a series of wananga over the last two years.

Restoration activities that would involve work for local contractors including digger operators, ecologists for constructed wetland design, fencers, arborists, spray contractors.

Eastern Mercury Bay Habitat Connection:

An integrated urban and rural approach to predator control and restoration, working in partnership with iwi, community and other agencies. Proposal developed out of discussions with iwi and community as part of the Whitianga/Mercury Bay Harbour and Catchment Management Plan development. Variety of contract employment opportunities.

Waihou flood plain enhancements: Implements a habitat enhancement plan that was developed in consultation with iwi with benefits for the Lower Firth of Thames

Clean Streams 2020 – Riparian Restoration Project: This is a region wide project that is specifically looking at providing work for iwi and local community nurseries and planting teams.

Kauri dieback – Supports implementation of key components of the Kauri Dieback Programme in the Waikato region – especially Thames Coromandel. Development of the kauri dieback programme has been in conjunction with iwi as partners via the tangata whenua roopu and through significant public consultation. Kauri dieback is threatening our kauri, our taonga.

The Piako River Green Corridor: An ecological corridor reconnecting the Kopuatai Wetland to the Firth of Thames – RAMSAR site to RAMSAR site. Includes planting of drains particularly impacted by the drought this summer. Variety of contract employment opportunities. Significant opportunity to partner with iwi.