Overview

The Waiwhakareke (Horseshoe Lake) Natural Heritage Park concept began as a proposed joint venture between Hamilton City Council and Waikato Polytechnic (now Waikato Institute of Technology, Wintec). Initially conceived as a “Living Museum” the vision as it has evolved is to develop a natural heritage park that will restore and recreate the native plant and animal communities that once existed in the Waikato. On 6 May 1998 the Council gave its initial endorsement of the project; this covered incorporation of the concept in the District Plan and initial revegetation round the lake. Since this time key partnerships have been formed between stakeholders in the project.

The project’s partners include The University of Waikato, Wintec, Nga Mana Toopu O Kirikiriroa Limited Resource Management and Cultural Consultants (NAMTOK), Tui 2000 and Hamilton City Council. Council have signed Memoranda of understanding with three of the project’s partners (WINTEC, Tui 2000, University of Waikato) and NAMTOK’s role in the project will develop over time. While there has been considerable support for the project from Environment Waikato, that organisation’s involvement has not been formalised.

Partners

Hamilton City Council
HCC owns the land upon which WNHP is being developed. As the proprietor Council will be responsible for the construction and maintenance of the park’s infrastructure as detailed in the draft management plan. Much of the funding for plantings and maintenance also falls on Council, as well as general project oversight and coordination with the other partners.

Tui 2000
Tui 2000 has a large interest in Waiwhakareke and has the ability to mobilise volunteers to help with the project. The involvement of volunteers is significant both in terms of the work they do and as a means of generating community identification and ownership. Tui 2000 and its members support the project through a wide range of activities. They advocate for the project in the community and with other agencies. Tui 2000 members help mobilise volunteers for events at the park and for development and maintenance work as required, and may help with seed and propagule collection, plant propagation, planting and post-planting maintenance. In future Tui 2000 members may become involved in education/ interpretation programmes centred at the park as guides, speakers or docents.

University of Waikato
The University of Waikato, through the Department of Biological Sciences and particularly the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecological Research, is a strong supporter of the project. The University supports the project within its normal teaching and research programmes (in the areas of gully restoration, ecological management and community education), offering technical advice and support. Students and staff carry out surveys and analyses of the site’s existing condition and environmental and ecological values as well as monitoring the developing ecosystems, including the establishment of permanent plots. They are also conducting fieldwork to gain an understanding of the lake’s water quality, hydrology and ecology in order to be able to guide its future management.

Wintec
As a tertiary institute Wintec will provide support to WNHP through student participation in planting, monitoring, planning and marketing. This support will be beneficial for both students and WNHP as it will provide learning opportunities in such fields as landscape design and through assistance in production of marketing and interpretation material for the site such as signs, brochures etc.

NAMTOK
NAMTOK have been closely involved in the preparation of the park’s management plan and will continue their support of the project. Their expertise will enable interpretation of the significance of the site to Maori through signage and provision of carvings for entrance and at appropriate points in the park. Local iwi will be involved in design and development to enable the significance of the area to Maori and its cultural associations to be illustrated through the project.

Community
The unofficial partner in the progress and success of WNHP is the community. Community participation is very much encouraged in the restoration of the Park. This participation will continue to be achieved through:

• Continuance of regular community planting days
• The establishment of partnerships with community groups and local schools to facilitate restoration of the Park and to provide education opportunities for students
• Information being provided to the local community on the values of this project and how they can participate in it.


Advisory Groups

Waiwhakareke Advisory Group
The Waiwhakareke Advisory Group (WAG) is made up of members of Hamilton City Council, University of Waikato, Wintec, Tui2000 and NAMTOK. The group helps contribute to the overall management and development of Waiwhakareke Natural Heritage Park through advising partners on management and governance of the park, seeking advice on ecological restoration methods, the seeking out of funding opportunities, fostering of the park’s recreational, research and education use consistent with its primary focus on ecological restoration, Advice of timing of park development and advice on means of achieving public commitment and involvement with the project. To see the members of the WAG click here.

Technical Advisory Group
The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) is convened by Professor Bruce Clarkson of the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecological Research and has a core membership from the same organisations, with others being brought in according to their expertise and ability to help with particular issues. The aim of the TAG is to ensure that the best possible advice is provided on technical aspects of the park’s establishment and management. The TAG provides advice on ecological restoration methods and where necessary on research to identify those methods. The group co-ordinates research and advises on information management relating to that research, gives advice on the management of WNHP’s recreation, research and education functions consistent with its primary focus and provides technical support and advice on funding applications as well as the provision of park infrastructure. Representation on the TAG is not prescribed and is based around the professional skills of individuals within the group.