Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
Work has begun to revitalise the Manawatu River.
Local industry, environmental, iwi and local government groups
are all on board with the programme. Rapaera Tawhai has this report.
This river was dubbed the most polluted water in the Western world.
Some seem to think that they can dump their waste in it.
But that could all change thanks to a new scheme,
which was launched this morning.
The local council, the Environmental Minister
and iwi representatives held a ceremony this morning
for the launching of the Manawatu River Action Plan.
Our group is working hard to create awareness
among those who are concerned about the Manawatu River
to wake up and tend to the needs of our flowing waters.
The group is looking at banning companies and farms
from dumping waste into the river,
as well as designing a programme to reduce floods from the river.
Revitalising our river is a very important.
We must consider the health of the river.
The groups hope to return the river to it's former glory.
Traditionally, the river was an important source
of food for our ancestors.
There were many eels to be caught
and fresh water for the birds to drink.
A proverb of this river says
'If the head is healthy, if the flow is sturdy,
'the mouth of the river will be well.'
It seems that the source of the river is healthy,
but mid-river is the concern. There is much work ahead.
Rapaera Tawhai, Te Karere.