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SailGP And Ngāti Wheke Help Heal The Land To Help Heal The Water

Whakaraupō, Lyttelton Harbour is an important place for many different people. For visitors, and for those who call it home, it is hard not to be captivated by the picturesque vistas where the sparkling water meets the hills.  

In March, Whakaraupō will also play host to the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix | Christchurch 

In every city it visits, SailGP teams up with a local community purpose project as part of the league’s Host City Climate Action Charter. Projects focus on areas including clean energy impact, and wider environmental issues, including wetland and ocean restoration.  

In Christchurch, the chosen project is the Ōmaru Stream Restoration Project. Led by Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke Rāpaki, the project aims to restore the forests surrounding Whakaraupō by restoring vegetation, reducing pests, and enabling biodiversity to flourish and reduce sediment running into the harbour. 

SailGP and ChristchurchNZ are partnering with the team at Rāpaki to support the project, and are thrilled for the opportunity to bring global awareness to the project.

The Ōmaru Stream Restoration Project is supported by significant volunteer efforts and there is already trapping, weed control, planting and track making underway.  

So far, the team based in Rāpaki have planted 11,262 native trees through the Kaimahi for Nature, Whakaraupō project, with a further 16,000 plants to be put into the ground before the end of the programme (June 2024). 

 

A render of the Ōmaru Stream site, showing what the area will look like once restored.

Program Manager John Kottier explains that the mahi being done at Rāpaki is guided by principles of collaboration, connection and Mātauranga Māori. 

This is all about Mātauranga — the Māori world view. If we don’t fix the whenua [the land] then we won’t fix the ocean. There is a lot of things going on in the harbour. On a wonderful day it looks pristine, but it’s carnage going on under the water. Siltation, invasive species, all of those things.”  

Program Manager - John Kottier

“This is all about Mātauranga — the Māori world view. If we don’t fix the whenua [the land] then we won’t fix the ocean. There is a lot of things going on in the harbour. On a wonderful day it looks pristine, but it’s carnage going on under the water. Siltation, invasive species, all of those things.”  

In Te Ao Māori, ‘Ki Uta Ki Tai’ refers to the journey of wai as it falls from the sky, flows over the land, and makes its way out to sea. Ki Uta Ki Tai describes a Māori understanding of sustainable land management, where each part of the ecosystem has a relationship to the other, and nothing can be separated.  

“This idea of complete interconnectivity between natural resources is what motivates us both in the field and when planning for future restoration efforts in the harbour. We’re lucky here in Whakaraupō, our purpose is never far from sight. When working on the whenua there’s a view straight out to the moana and vice versa, a constant reminder that what restoration we do on the land, has a direct impact on the sustainability of the water,” John explains.  

SailGP purpose project contributions will enable the construction of a water storage facility and partially fund wetland construction on Ōmaru Stream. The water sources will provide water for planting initiatives while the wetland will enable the capture of sediment to prevent discharge to the sea and provide habitat for a wide range of species.

Head of the New Zealand event Karl Budge agrees, saying, “The Omaru Stream Restoration Project is a great fit for our ethos and we can’t wait to work side-by-side with our partners, including ChristchurchNZ and Te Hapu o Ngati Wheke Rāpaki to ensure the ITM New Zealand Sail Grand Prix leaves an enduring legacy for Ōtautahi Christchurch.”

One of the key things we consider when supporting major events to come to our city is the legacy they leave behind. SailGP brings much more than on-water action. Behind the scenes there is significant investment in other programmes, like this one, that leaves behind positive benefits for all.” 

ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction - Tracey Wilson

ChristchurchNZ General Manager Destination and Attraction Tracey Wilson says, “One of the key things we consider when supporting major events to come to our city is the legacy they leave behind. SailGP brings much more than on-water action. Behind the scenes there is significant investment in other programmes, like this one, that leaves behind positive benefits for all.” 

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