Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance to meet in Kawatiri
Efforts to boost the local economy, support communities and respond to climate issues will be in the spotlight next week, as the Kotahitanga mō te Taiao Alliance (KMTT) partners gather in Kawatiri on 20-21 March to prepare for the year ahead.
KMTT is a collaboration between iwi, councils and government, with 17 partners in total, working across the top of New Zealand’s South Island from Buller/Kawatiri in the west, right across Te Tauihu/northern South Island. It aims to restore and enhance nature across 3.4 million hectares of land and sea, with the ethos “Collective action for our nature”.
Buller District Council - Te Kaunihera o Kawatiri, has been a KMTT partner for the past four years, and although it is the smallest district in the alliance, it has a large geographic area rich in biodiversity and wild, intact landscapes.
Buller District Mayor Jamie Cleine says: “The hui is a chance for project collaborators to hear firsthand about the work going on under the KMTT umbrella across the region and showcase the achievements and aspirations of the project team based locally in Kawatiri. It is also a time for us to reflect and consider the opportunities we have going forward.”
The hui is also an opportunity for representatives from a number of key environmental and community agencies and groups to explore opportunities for collaboration that will enhance the natural environment while supporting local people and the economy.
At the same time, its expansive natural environment and the growing global recognition of nature’s value, offers a unique opportunity to develop a thriving nature-based economy centred on Te Tai Poutini/the West Coast.
KMTT Programme Manager Debs Martin says: “The workshop is a significant opportunity for our partners, projects and community to reflect on where we’ve come since the goals were set here in 2022 and look to strengthen our work going forward. Collaboration is essential in creating well-supported programmes that benefit both people and the environment. Each invited organisation brings its own unique
perspective and strengths – and its own strategies. By working together and aligning our efforts, we can create meaningful and lasting impact that will benefit both our community and economy.”
Restoring and Protecting Flora (A KMTT project led by The Nature Conservancy Aotearoa New Zealand (TNC NZ)), was a Jobs for Nature funded project to remove invasive weeds from sites across the region. Work is ongoing to restore the prominent lowland ecosystem at Kūkūwai Reserve/Martins Creek. Initial scoping work to create large predator-free areas within Kawatiri has also kicked off.
Mayor Cleine continues: “The projects completed in collaboration with KMTT have provided employment for locals in Buller through Jobs for Nature, upskilling opportunities, and are a great example of communities working with nature for the benefit of us all. The programme has delivered outstanding outcomes locally, with minimal ratepayer input.”
“It’s exciting to see the collaboration between various organisations and projects coming to Westport – there are a raft of potential economic and environmentally positive outcomes for the district. Buller has so much to offer, and with such a large area of the district being of exceptional natural value, there is an opportunity to create economic resilience by diversifying our opportunities” says Project Lead Paul Zaanen, who heads up Westport’s Master Planning exercise.
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For further information please contact:
Community Engagement Team
Buller District Council
Media.Enquiries@bdc.govt.nz
Disclaimer
The information in this media release was correct at time of publication. Changes in circumstances after the time of publication may impact on the accuracy of the information.