Ūpokorehe kaitiaki

The Ūpokorehe Resource Management Team have actively monitored Ōhiwa Harbour shellfish beds for many years. However, in response to increasing concerns about the over exploitation of the pipi bed at Whangakōpikopiko, a group of concerned Ūpokorehe kaitiaki began to patrol the area to ensure that:

• pipi gatherers adhered to the NZ Fisheries rules, and

• vehicles were stopped from driving onto the mudflats. 
   

Over time, concerns grew to include:

• people and dogs disturbing nesting birds on the nearby sand islands

• dogs and horses defecating on the mudflats adjacent to pipi bed and along boat ramp

• dogs unattended or unleashed on mudflats creating concern for children and harvesters’ safety

• jet skis not following the navigation rules

• safety issues on the road

• congestion at the boat ramp

• people camping and drinking at the boat ramp, and 

• people driving onto and camping on Tokitoki reserve
   

Ūpokorehe kaitiaki aspirations are to ensure that the pipi bed continues to provide for future generations and is treated with the appropriate respect; people can go about their recreational activities safely; the environment in the area is cared for, and wāhi tapu and other significant places are treated with respect.

 

The area of particular interest currently extends from Whangakōpikopiko along the shore to the boat ramp on Ōhiwa Loop Road and the adjacent waters. By providing written and verbal information the Ūpokorehe kaitiaki intend to encourage good guardianship and protection (Kaitiakitanga) throughout the entire eastern side of the harbour.