The area known as the Te Warawara, currently managed by the Department of Conservation, is of the utmost historical and cultural significance to the hapū of Te Rarawa. It comprises all of the Kauae-o-Ruru-Wahine and Te Takanga blocks, and parts of Waihou Lower, Ōtangaroa, Ototope, Taikarawa, Whakarapa, Paihia, Rotokākahi and Waireia. The area was originally 18,270 acres.

Te Rarawa hapū have never conceded their ownership of the resources on this whenua.Warawara Whenua Ngāhere i te Taiao is a cornerstone of Te Rarawa's Treaty Settlement package. It gives effect to a new relationship between Te Rarawa hapū and the Crown and provides for joint management and governance roles. It acknowledges the mana whenua of the kaitiaki hapū and creates a platform for hapū kaitiakitanga alongside Crown conservation.

The Komiti Kaitiaki has been formed with representation from 10 Te Rarawa marae with an interest in the Warawara.  The Komiti is currently working on the formation of a number of key environmental plans and initiatives.

Structure of Komiti Kaitiaki

• Komiti made up of 1 representative from each of the 10 marae surrounding Warawara; Matihetihe, Waiparera, Waihou, Ngati Manawa, Waipuna, Motuti, Morehu, Ohaki, Taiao and Te Kotahitanga.
• Meetings open to anyone and not restricted to marae representative.
• Role of marae representative is to report back to marae, inform whanau and bring their views to Komiti.
• Meetings are rotated among the 10 marae.

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Priorities

• Develop a Pest Management Plan for the whole of Warawara (including the slopes).
• Establish a permanent Kaitiaki Centre in Warawara with good sleeping, cooking and washing facilities.
• Create an infrastructure of tracks in Warawara.
• Permanent Kaitiaki employed.
• Tikanga to be adhered to in all activities and respect for the ngahere fostered.
• Scientists and permits generally supported, would like to see Scientists work for and with the Komiti.
• Establish a safe Kiwi Sanctuary within Warawara.
• Kiwi aversion training for dogs, it works, is simple and free, Komiti will aim at having all dogs living around Warawara trained as well as all dogs being used for pig hunting in Warawara.
• Develop good working relationships with all stakeholders.
  

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Warawara
He rā nui

Komiti Kaitiaki meet with whanau and supporting organisations to discuss future environmental planning for the Warawara.