The momentum continues to grow for the Guardians of the Ruakituri River group. On Tuesday the 13th of April 2021, landowners, tangata whenua, Marae representatives and agency gathered together at the local Ruakituri school to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU). This MoU is a historical milestone in the groups journey and marks the beginning of a long term community commitment towards the enhancement of the Ruakituri River.Nuku Hadfield, group’s Chair and local farmer, welcomed everybody and thanked the group for the work delivered during the past few months. She read the mission statement developed by the group “Ka ora te whenua me te hapori i te oranga o te awa” – “If the river is thriving so too will the land and the people” and acknowledged the support received from local farmers, tangata whenua and local Marae. Nuku announced the formal creation of an Incorporated Society ” The Guardians of the Ruakituri river Inc ” which gives the group the ability to apply for public funding and benefit from a Charity status. Nuku also announced the launch of the group’s website accessible from any browser on : ruakituriguardians.com. This website will be the groups official platform to communicate with whanau and the wider public. The Erepeti Marae was well represented and Matiu Bartlett was thanked for taking the time to attend this hui and sign the MoU on behalf of the Erepeti Marae. The school children are part of this journey with the Guardians and took an active part of the ceremony by singing waiata. A big thank you for their contribution!The Guardians of the Ruakituri river group are all working together to leave their Tamariki a legacy they can be proud of.
Memorandum of Understanding signing ceremony