BTW is honoured to support Ngāti Te Whiti in the journey to bring Ngāmotu Marae to life. Contributing planning and environmental advice from the outset, our team is excited and committed to shaping a sustainable and culturally resonant solution.
This is a landmark project. A vision that has been in the making for decades. Together, we are creating a legacy of connection and cultural pride that will enrich our city for generations to come. You can find out more about the project at www.ngamotumarae.org.nz
Daylighting of wai tapu
Ngāti Te Whiti Hapū is working with BTW on plans to daylight a wai tapu (sacred waterway) adjacent to the Ngāmotu Marae site, as part of the it sustainability focused development. The daylighting of the wai tapu is a crucial step in reconnecting the land with its cultural and environmental heritage, ensuring that the project not only benefits the people of Ngāmotu today but safeguards the future for generations to come.
The marae whenua has been significantly altered over time through landform modifications associated with the port and other land uses,” says Sean Husband, Kaiwhakahaere Kaipūkahanga, Civil Team Leader and Associate at BTW Company. “This project seeks to restore the natural flow of the wai tapu and wahi tapu awa, reconnecting its catchment headwaters to the historical river mouth at Ngāmotu Beach. By daylighting and restoring the river mouth, we can re-establish fish passages, create ecological habitats, and support the harvesting of mahinga kai within the marae site.”
This work also involves developing a catchment-wide vision for stream daylighting and enhancement – a multigenerational restoration effort that will require collaboration among many stakeholders and landowners. The daylighting of the river mouth is a critical first step, providing the outlet needed to enable longer-term upstream enhancements to move forward.
The restoration of the wai tapu is one example of how the Ngāmotu Marae project is grounded in sustainability and resilience:
- Environmental Care: Rejuvenating natural landscapes and improving water quality.
- Cultural Preservation: Restoring sacred sites and ensuring cultural heritage is respected.
- Community Wellbeing: Fostering stronger connections between the land, the people, and future generations.
“We are deeply committed to a sustainable and resilient future for our city, our land, and the people of Ngāmotu,” says Shelton Healey, Ngāti Te Whiti. “This project is about more than just building a marae – it’s about building a legacy.”
BTW stands proudly as a significant part of the Taranaki community. Our journey is deeply intertwined with the rich history and vibrant culture of this region. We are honoured to be both a contributor to the local landscape and a beneficiary of regional support. BTW firmly believe that as a business operating across the rohe, we have a role to play in the protection and growth of cultural identity, environment, and people.
For more on this project visit: taranakifoundation.org.nz or ngamotumarae.org.nz
Image credit: BOON