Fletcher Roading Upgrade & Easement 2023 – Current
In late 2022, the trust successfully obtained funding to upgrade the road, cut back vegetation, fill in potholes, and install culverts. This project was completed over January & February 2023
As the road extends nearly 14 km, this project cost over $200,000.00.
As part of the project, the trust also surveyed the road and is now in the process with other Block Trustees to establish full legal access using an easement. As part of that process, the Crown has approved access across Prt Sec 1 BlkXII as outlined in the Te Runanga O Nga Tahu Deed of Settlement 1997 14.19 Claim 112 Tautuku.
Roading work and waterboarding on the locked gate between Part Sec 2 Blk XIII (South) & Part Sec 16 Blk XIII (North) (March 2023)
Hayes Block – Land Development & Fencing Project 2022
In 2022, a new boundary fence around the Hayes block, which had only a partial fence, and a woody weed spraying project were completed.
Spraying operations March 2023
Fencing top of Hayes Block next to Fletcher Access Road
Tamata Hauha Limited Carbon Farming Project 2022 – Current
In August 2022, the Trustees hosted Blair Jamieson, the CEO of Tamaha Hauha, on the whenua. Over the last two years, the parties have worked together. In August 2024, approximately 130 hectares of exotic trees were planted and registered using a forestry right as a Carbon Farm with MPI in the Emissions Trading Scheme. This will provide future economic benefits for the trust and restore the whenua.
In 2025, after the culling of ungulate animals (project below), a further area of native podocarps will be planted in a wetland and registered within the ETS. Other blocks and opportunities are currently being investigated.
Pest Eradication Projects
2022 – Sept 2024 Possum – Jobs for Nature Program - this program has been operating on all Tautuku Lands.
August 2024 Ungulate & possum program - Hayes Block ongoing
- Possum program - currently in its 3 months of operations (Dec 2024), we have seen over 1000 possums removed from the Hayes Block. This program is run by Leith Contractors Limited, whose owners are owners and trustees in Prt Sec 16 Blk XIII. The possums are humanely trapped and used for fur and pet food.
- Ungulate program—The recent tree planting program caused immediate damage. Professional Hunters using dogs and thermals have removed nearly 300 animals from this block in three months.
Possum in Humane Trap on Tunnel Hill before Harvest
