The document for the preservation and restoration of the Kaituna River and its tributaries is available for public approval and consultation.

Produced by Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority, a co-governance entity of iwi and council representatives, the document provides a plan for iwi, local authorities and community groups to help care for the river and its tributaries.

Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority chairman Dean Flavell says the document has been put together with local communities in mind, and now the public have the chance to provide feedback on how their aspirations have been captured.

Formal submissions are now open, and will close on July 24, 2017.

'Our proposed vision is to see the Kaituna River in a healthy state, where it is protected for current and future generations.

'To achieve this, the document has eight proposed objectives and 21 proposed desired outcomes, all designed to make a positive difference to the well-being of the river.

'In order for the Kaituna River Document to positively impact the waterway, it must be shaped by those who treasure it, those who are connected to it and those who benefit from using it.

'In my mind, the Kaituna River is the umbilical cord that unites traditional relationships and responsibilities, while sustaining and nurturing the lives of those that live within its catchment. It is of the utmost importance to ensure the sustainability of the river's future.”

Once the Kaituna River Document is approved, the vision, objectives and desired outcomes must be recognised and provided for in the Regional Policy Statement for the Bay of Plenty, as well as in the relevant regional and district plans under the Resource Management Act 1991.

The Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014 is the empowering legislation that establishes Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority and provides for the preparation of the Kaituna River Document.

More Information

• Kaituna, he tāonga tuku iho – a treasure gifted to us, is the Proposed Kaituna River Document
• Formal submissions now open until 4pm July 24
• For more information and to view the consultation brochure and the proposed document visit www.kaituna.org.nz

Hard copies of the full document and associated brochure are available at the following locations:

• Tapuika Iwi Authority – 19 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
• Te Kapu Ō Waitaha – 2 Dunlop Street, Te Puke
• Te Maru o Ngāti Rangiwewehi – 16 Taui Street, Rotorua
• Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa – 1212 Amohia Street, Rotorua
• Bay of Plenty Regional Council offices – 5 Quay Street, Whakatāne; 87 First Avenue, Tauranga; 1125 Arawa Street, Rotorua; 6 Rata Street, Mt Maunganui
• Tauranga City Council - 91 Willow St, Tauranga
• Western Bay of Plenty District Council – 1484 Cameron Rd, Tauranga and 130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke
• Rotorua Lakes Council - 1061 Haupapa Street, Rotorua
• Rotorua, Te Puke and Papamoa public libraries