Poto Davies, left, Ricky Winikerei, middle, and Harry Wilson of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura lead Tuesday’s karakia at Te Puna Marama. Photo: Jeremy Smith
A spring and stream uncovered when Resthaven purchased land in Cambridge a decade ago has been unveiled as a natural expanse.
A blessing for Te Puna Marama, Moon Spring, on the southern slopes of Resthaven in Vogel St was led by Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā on Tuesday morning.
Ricky Winikerei of Ngāti Korokī Kahukura and Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chair Greg Liddy share a hongi. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
In its heyday, people were attracted to the clear and cold water of the spring and creek.
In the early 1900s a water supply project was approved to pump water from the creek up the slope to the water tower in Payne Park. It opened in 1903 and supplied the township with water for more than 20 years.
Resthaven launched a restoration project after the 2013 discovery and with help from community groups, Cambridge Lions and Waipā District Council, cleared weeds and replanted native vegetation, constructed paths, steps and retaining walls and bridges.
Tuesday’s karakia marked the commencement of the final stages of the work.
The ecological restoration project has transformed the area from an overgrown pocket of land into a regenerating native bush. Native flora has been restored through natural regeneration supplemented by plantings and some kauri are now over four metres high. Native birdlife is flourishing in the area and they are assisted by ongoing weeds and predator control.
Cambridge Resthaven Trust Board chair Greg Liddy, left, with Lions Club of Cambridge member Ian Crabb at the spring. Photo: Jeremy Smith.
