Approving a Te Aka Raataa project concept plan underlines Manurewa Local Board’s commitment to Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui charter.
The project responds to the wider Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui programme by regenerating 1.1km of the Puhinui Stream to connect across the Raataa Vine Stream Reserve, which connects to the Auckland Botanic Gardens to the east and Great South Road to the west, and a newly acquired 7.6 hectare section of Te Whatu Ora’s Manukau Super Clinic.
Te Aka Raataa and Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui are part of the Eke Panuku led Transform Manukau programme, which has returning health to the people and places of Te Puhinui as one of its key aims.
Te Aka Raataa helps realise that by reconnecting people to nature through a healthy stream environment and connected walking and cycling paths that create a corridor from the Gardens to Hayman Park.
Manurewa Local Board chair Glenn Murphy says Eke Panuku and Healthy Waters partnered to design the concept plan with the support of Waiohua iwi.
"The catchment flows into the Manukau, with both the stream and harbour having water quality issues, so a guiding principle of the work has been whakaora – returning health, to the area.
“Regenerating the health of the Puhinui Stream is important to Waiohua iwi, who gifted the name Te Aka Raataa to acknowledge the historic landscape of white raataa vines that adorned the sites.
“Te Aka Raataa is the missing link to connect the stream corridor to improve its function and health, and create pathways, planting and new open spaces for the growing communities of Wiri,” he says
“The board’s approval means the project will progress to the detailed design phase, including further engagement with stakeholders and communities.”
“This is a unique chance to create a place for people in nature, moving from one green space to another."
To find out more or get involved visit Te Aka Raataa project page, Transform Manukau page or Te Whakaoranga o Te Puhinui project page. You can also follow Our Puhinui on Instagram.
