June 05, 2018
Ngati Rehia partners for forest growth
The new forestry agency Te Uru Rakau will work with Ngati Rehia to establish a commercial forest on about 150 hectares of iwi land near Kerikeri.
Forestry Minister Shane Jones says Ngati Rehia would receive lease income and also benefit from the carbon credits generated over the lifetime of the forest.
That would help it met its aspirations to invest in in housing, health and education for tis people.
The agreement also includes a $288,000 grant from the Provincial Growth Fund to explore if a kauri sanctuary – free from kauri dieback – can be established on 45 hectares of sheltered Ngati Rehia land.
Mr Jones says the project would provide the opportunity for research and control of kauri dieback in a contained plantation environment, while offering locals training and education opportunities in establishing and managing indigenous forests.
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