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Karamu Takina Spring – Formal Signing

On Monday, 14 July 2025, Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara and Rotorua Lakes Council signed a formal agreement to restore and protect Te Karamu Takina Spring. This puna holds deep cultural, spiritual, and environmental importance for our hapū.

The agreement recognises Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara as mana whenua and affirms our role as kaitiaki of this treasured taonga. For generations, Te Karamu Takina has nourished our people, our whenua, and our identity. Revitalising the puna is not just an environmental effort — it is also a reconnection to our whakapapa, mātauranga, and the wairua of the whenua.

The signing took place at the puna itself. It marked a significant milestone in our relationship with Council. More importantly, it signals a shared commitment to protect this taonga for present and future generations.

This kaupapa has been years in the making. It reflects our aspiration to embed our values and voices in the care of this sacred site.

What the Partnership Involves

Under the agreement, our hapū and Council will work together on several key initiatives:

  • Riparian planting to improve water quality and restore native habitats

  • Water monitoring guided by both science and mātauranga Māori

  • Community wānanga to reconnect whānau with the puna and its stories

  • Long-term co-management planning for the surrounding whenua

We acknowledge everyone who has supported this kaupapa — from our kaumātua and kaitiaki, to the planners and planters. This is a collective journey. Together, we will restore life, health, and mana to Te Karamu Takina.

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