Understanding the Bay’s cultural significance
Te Matau a Māui (or Hawke Bay) contains taonga of significant cultural value to local mana whenua, including Pania Reef and Moremore Maitaitai Reserve at Tangoio.
At the start of our project, we identified mana whenua as key stakeholders in the project and with help from Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated, set about engaging kanohi ki te kanohi (face-to-face) with hapū representatives.
Ngāti Pārau, Maungaharuru-Tangitū Trust and Mana Ahuriri Trust all have a strong relationship with the area surrounding Napier Port. We engaged directly with all three entities, as well as presenting to other Māori organisations. As the project progressed, we kept key hapū groups fully informed, giving access to relevant studies as they were completed to help inform their views.
Ngāti Pārau hapū, who whakapapa back to Pania (of the reef), was nominated to facilitate a Cultural Impact Assessment. This is included in the studies forming part of the applications. You can read the full assessment here.
