In the heart of our whenua, Whāngārā Farms is leading a ground-breaking project in partnership with Ministry for Primary Industries, and funded by the Māori Agribusiness Climate Programme. This is the development of a 100-year Whenua Optimisation Plan - He Rau Ake Ake, focused on intergenerational stewardship, thereby future-proofing the land for generations to come.
This visionary kaupapa not only integrates sustainable farming and whenua practices but also centres on the deep connection our people have with their whenua, both spiritual and physical (whakapapa ki te whenua). By making decisions that reflect the importance of biodiversity (whakapapa ki te taiao) and cultural heritage (whakapapa ki te whenua), He Rau Ake Ake seeks to ensure that our whenua continues to nourish both our communities and the environment for our uri whakatipu (future generations).
At the core of the project lies the understanding that true sustainability is not just about land management, but also about honouring the cultural significance of the whenua. In collaboration with the board, management committees, the people who know this land best, our whānau, community members, and cultural experts, are integral to shaping the decisions that guide the project’s direction. Ensuring that our people’s voices are a part of the decision-making process is what makes He Rau Ake Ake unique and vital for the future.
The Role of Cultural Heritage in the He Rau Ake Ake Project
A critical component of He Rau Ake Ake is the integration of cultural heritage into current and future land management practices.— cultural heritage as we understand it, whakapapa ki te whenua reflects the deep ancestral, spiritual, and lived relationship we hold with the land. These are not simply heritage sites; they are expressions of identity, memory, and ongoing guardianship. By recognising and protecting these taonga, we honour the stories and history of our tīpuna while shaping a future that remains connected to our cultural roots.
This mahi was led and facilitated by Matire Kupenga-Wanoa, (member of the Taiao Advisory Group and Pakarae Management Committee). It was critical that the project team were fully aware of the rich cultural landscape of Whāngārā Farms, and Matire was instrumental in identifying sites of significance that play an essential role in understanding the land’s spiritual and historical connection to our people.
Once these sites were identified Matire then led the development of a policy and protocols for the protection and preservation of these sites. Including fencing, signage, and what farming practices could be undertaken or not.
Matire has worked alongside Emil Collins (a Master's student in Geospatial technology from Canterbuty University) who’ve developed detailed mapping of the cultural sites of significance present throughout the whenua by sourcing open-sourced data, mainly from the Gisborne District Council. These sites tell the stories of our tipuna,and the deep spiritual connection between our people and the whenua. They include a wide range of significant places, from physical remains such as pā sites, urupā, middens, hangi pits,, wetlands and heritage trees, to spiritual locations like waahi taonga and waahi tapu.
There have been many Pa sites identified, with some names, exact locations,verified through archaeological reports. Middens, urupā, hangi pits, wetlands, rivers and tributaries have also been mapped.
Cultural sites of significance, as Matire explains, are not only physical markers of history but also embody our collective identity.
“They are places where the physical, spiritual, and cultural stories of our past are kept alive, and their preservation is integral to maintaining and understanding our connections both to each other, to the land and to the environment.land.”
Just as native plants and animals are fragile and need protection, so too do these cultural sites of significance. These locations are easily damaged or lost, and it is crucial to ensure that they are safeguarded for future generations. As Matire points out, preserving these sites is not only a matter of protecting history; it’s about fostering a sense of pride, community, and continuity for Whāngārā Farms.
“The connection between land management, cultural heritage, and community engagement, framing He Rau Ake Ake as a model for future-proofing land while preserving the cultural identity of the whenua.”
Aligning Farming, Forestry, and Cultural Values
Once Matire’s work was complete, the He Rau Ake Ake project team reviewed the findings of the cultural heritage sites and used this information to guide the recommendations for land use. This process ensured that all decisions made by the Whāngārā Farms Board and the project team were fully aligned with the cultural values and historical significance of the whenua.
The project takes a holistic approach by balancing biodiversity with sustainable farming and forestry practices. By integrating these elements, the project aims to create a model where land is managed in a way that not only supports the future of our agricultural industry but also nurtures the environment and honours the cultural heritage that has been passed down through the generations.
This balance between ecological and cultural sustainability is at the heart of He Rau Ake Ake, as it acknowledges that our connection to the land goes beyond farming practices. The way we farm, the way we interact with nature, and the way we preserve our heritage all play a role in shaping the future of our whenua. Through He Rau Ake Ake, Whāngārā Farms is leading by example, demonstrating that the future of our land lies in decisions that honour both tradition and innovation.
The Path Forward: A Legacy of Stewardship
The He Rau Ake Ake project is not a one-time initiative; it is part of a broader, ongoing effort to ensure that our whenua remains in the best possible condition for future generations. By weaving together the knowledge of our people with the latest practices in sustainable land management, Whāngārā Farms is creating a model that can be replicated throughout Aotearoa.
The project’s approach to engaging whānau, farming communities, and cultural experts demonstrates the importance of collaborative decision-making. Through listening to our people and respecting the wisdom of our ancestors, He Rau Ake Ake is shaping a future where the land remains a source of nourishment, pride, and connection for all.
Whāngārā Farms’ He Rau Ake Ake project is a testament to the power of community-driven action. It is a reflection of our ongoing responsibility as kaitiaki — guardians of the land — and a commitment to future-proofing our whenua for the generations that will follow. By integrating farming, forestry, biodiversity, and cultural heritage into a unified vision, we can ensure that the whenua remains a place of prosperity, pride, and connection for generations to come.
The Future of Whāngārā Farms
As the He Rau Ake Ake project continues to evolve, the lessons learned will not only benefit the Whāngārā community but will also contribute to a broader national dialogue about the future of land stewardship in New Zealand. Whāngārā Farms is leading the way in showing how sustainable land management and cultural preservation can go hand in hand, creating a future where our environment and our communities can thrive together.
In the coming months and years, He Rau Ake Ake will continue to gather momentum, bringing together farmers, iwi, whānau, hāpori and other stakeholders to work toward a more sustainable, connected future. The legacy of this project will be one of stewardship, collaboration, and respect for the whenua, ensuring that the land remains a source of pride, connection, and sustainability for the generations to come.
