Waikaremoana stories
Date: 02 December 2008
The recent installation of interpretation panels at the entrance to the Waikaremoana Great Walk provided an opportunity for partners working in the area to celebrate progress and look forward to a productive future according to Department of Conservation (DOC) Aniwaniwa Area Manager, Glenn Mitchell.
"The Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Trust, Genesis Energy and DOC staff all worked together to produce the panels. The aim was to give visitors a small insight into stories of the area. Approximately 6000 people a year, many of them from overseas, visit the Waikaremoana Great Walk, so we expect that information from the panels will be carried around the world," Mr Mitchell said.
The panels are installed inside a shelter or waharoa, at the Onepoto entrance to the Great Walk. Stories include the traditional Maori tale of how Lake Waikaremoana was created and information on the Waikaremoana Power Scheme. Recreational opportunities around the lake are highlighted on a map of the area.
The partnership aspect of work in the area features in panels about native plants and animals of the area and the work being done to protect them. "Genesis Energy has provided funding support of the Lake Waikaremoana Hapu Trust and DOC is currently considering a proposal for further funding on a catchment basis.
The Lake Waikaremoana catchment is viewed by visitors as an unspoilt piece of paradise. However, the only way to protect the lake and forest from plant and animal pests is through constant vigilance, hard work and taking advantage of new conservation tools and methods as they become available. This level of work requires huge concerted effort which is why our partnerships are so vital," Mr Mitchell said.