to tatou hopu
Our Catchment
Te Whenua
The Land
The People
Maramarua and Mangatangi are rural communities where farming and agricultural-related industries dominate employment. Both Maori and European families have long-standing connections to the land. Today, Mangatangi Marae and the surrounding areas serve as an essential hub for Ngati Tamaoho, Ngati Koheriki. In recent years, the area has experienced an influx of commuters travelling to and from Auckland and Hamilton. This has brought diversity to the community, resulting in an increase in village residents and lifestyle blocks. The area has two thriving primary schools, both operational since 1894, and two play centres, a church, a cafe, a fish shop, a pub, a service station, two volunteer fire stations, community halls, and local shops.
THe catchment group
With the ever-increasing demands on rural areas, how can a community take the lead in improving and safeguarding its environment? The community realised that a collective approach, involving land stewards, iwi, landholders, residents, and stakeholders, would be the most optimal solution to preserve and enhance the environment while fostering closer ties between people and land. The result was the formation of the Mangatangi Maramarua Catchment Group.
“By bringing a group of people together, you begin to change the conversation from that of concern to that of positivity, as understanding, builds”
- jon henry
Ko te hononga I tatou hapori
Connecting the Community
Catchment groups offer a great opportunity for the local community to enhance and improve the biodiversity, water quality of an area.
We hold formal and informal events and workshops involving all ages of the community. We aim to help build the community’s sense of connection and belonging by sharing knowledge, expertise, plans, and common goals.
Some of the recent events & workshops we have hosted:
- Greenhouse Gas Emissions
- Predator Control
- Rural Support - Mental Health
- Tree Planting
- Farm and Freshwater Planning
- Legislative Workshops