About the project

DOC, Horizons Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council are exploring a new collaborative approach to caring for the park and surrounding landscapes.

The project is in its early stages and aims to bring together mana whenua, councils, communities and other stakeholders to develop shared goals for protecting and enhancing Pureora's natural and recreation values.

Working together

Over the past 18 months, a series of hui have helped gather perspectives from mana whenua and local communities about their aspirations for Pureora and what the project could achieve.

We're committed to ongoing engagement and see this as a continuing two-way conversation. Feedback gathered during the project will help shape its future direction.

Current phase

We're currently:

• identifying stakeholders and communities to engage with
• developing options for how the project could operate
• working with mana whenua, councils and stakeholders to understand how people would like to be involved

Some hapū within the project area have proposed establishing a collective forum to support participation in the project and strengthen collaboration across iwi, communities and public sector organisations.

Looking ahead

Potential outcomes of the project include:

• stronger partnerships
• shared goals for Pureora
• increased collaboration in conservation and land management

DOC will continue to manage Pureora Forest Park and meet all statutory responsibilities for public conservation land.

As the project develops, opportunities may emerge for other organisations and groups to contribute to conservation and operational activities.

Stay informed

For more information about the project, email tekuiti@doc.govt.nz.