Focus on our Future 2022
Kaimai mamaku catchment FORUM
On 18th October 2022, approx. 30 stakeholders from across the rohe gathered The Orchard, Te Puke, to discuss solutions for the lack of visibility, community support and long term funding for the Kaimai Mamaku.
To open the event Pa Ropata shared a kōrero about the collective vision we share for the health and wellbeing of the Kaimai Mamaku.
Three main topics were discussed: lack of visibility, community support and long term funding.
Lack of visibility
What do we need to do to increase the overall visibility of the Kaimai Mamkau and snapshotting them for everyone?
We know there is a lot of conservation activity happening, but are we all aware of each other? We know there are plenty of tracks in the Kaimai Mamaku, but is our community aware of them? We know there is biodiversity loss, but are we aware of the taonga species we are protecting?
Ideas to increase visibility of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project:
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Create an overarching Kaimai Mamaku brand to draw in funding or accept donations on behalf of the KMRP
Utilise social media channels more
Create an iconic map showing the entire Kaimai Mamaku - Waikato and BOP sides
Annual art exhibition
Secure earned media coverage in local magazines
Creative storytelling
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Partner with Tourism NZ to have the Kaimai Mamaku showcased more
Partner with local regenerative tourism suppliers to share key-messages to their customers
Partner with an "international challenge" e.g. the ironman so that it's hosted in our project area
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Establish relationships with all groups and agencies within the Kaimai Mamaku.
2. COMMUNITY SUPPORT
How do we raise community awareness and support for the Kaimai Mamaku?
We looked at how to enable the community to support the Kaimai Mamaku, and how stakeholders can support the community to get involved.
Ideas to increase community support of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project:
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Event that acknowledges individuals, schools, projects, volunteers and brings everyone together for an amazing night to celebrate the hard work of our community.
Would need to go through a nomination process and a key committee to select award winners.
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Create and utilise inspirational messages across all partners and agencies
TV series about the Kaimai Mamaku
Create a hashtag or slogan for people to get behind e.g. LOVE TAUPO
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Create opportunities for volunteer training
Provide a way to receive donations or koha for the KMRP
Get schools involved with competition etc.
3. Long-term funding
We explored the sustainability of funding for the restoration of the Kaimai Mamaku.
Ideas to increase long-term funding of the Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Project:
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Create a conservation tour to take tourists through Kaimai Mamaku Restoration Projects in the ngahere
Develop a high quality mountain bike park in the Kaimai Mamaku
Make the Kaimai Mamaku a National park and offering a National Park pass for visitors and international tourists to explore the Kaimai Mamaku (huts, tour guides).
Build a Great Walk throughout the Kaimai Mamaku that is co-inhabitant with hunting.
Create a tourism campaign with Tourism Bay of Plenty.
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Create a "carbon credits" scheme for neighbouring farms across the Kaimai Mamaku which can be donated to the restoration projects.
Allow sponsorship of traps by local organisations and businesses.
Identifying measurable goals and outcomes to the public so people can understand how they’re helping. ($2 can save 4 birds etc.)
Get forestry companies on board to donate to different projects relative to the area.
Build a connection with other funding streams e.g. stream & wetland restorations.
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Partner with iconic kiwi brands e.g. whittakers
Create a tourism campaign with Tourism Bay of Plenty