The Egmont Village Cluster represents the rural community – the heartland of Taranaki, tangata whenua and intergenerational associations with the Waiwhakaiho River. The farming community is important to Taranaki’s economy, and Taranaki leads the way nationally with riparian planting, including pioneering activity. Currently 96% of waterways are covered by riparian plans, and indication of the respect and connection the rural community has for the land and waterways. The connection to the Waiwhakaiho is intergenerational and intercultural, another important aspect of this cluster. While not all the information relates specifically to the Egmont Village location, this title is meant to be symbolic.
Following are links to the project documentary and articles related to the rural community, farming, riparian planting and intergenerational associations.
Sharing the Waiwhakaiho – documentary directed by Anand Rose of Green Cow
The documentary combines stunning shots of the river with interviews of tangata whenua, locals and geologists – among many people with a special association to the Waiwhakiho.
Video by Anand Rose (Green Cow)
An interview with Wayne Peters
In November 2011, Prime Minister John Key presented a Taranaki Regional Council certificate to Wayne Peters for completing the riparian planting programme on their farm. Wayne believes in the Maori concept of mauri – or life-force – and notes that some plants seem to wait until the time is right for them to grow. Due to this respect for nature, he calls himself a maori – with a little ‘m’ but not a Maori – not formally tangata whenua by blood.
Interview by Tom Phillips
An interview with Craig Knowles whose farm is adjacent to Taranaki/Egmont National Park
Craig Knowles’ farm is the next farm down the mountain after the National Park. Nearly one kilometre of farm boundary is the Waiwhakaiho River, and it is entirely fenced and planted with natives. This is also true of the tributaries and streams that feed into the Waiwhakaiho. Such care and guardianship extends to the management of the herd, who are wintered over in wood chip warmed enclosures.
Interview by Tom Phillips
An interview with Alistair and Amanda
Father and daughter of a Taranaki farming family talk about what the Waiwhakaiho means to them, along with the early adoption of riparian planting.
Interview by Tom Phillips
An interview with Keith Rowlands
Three generations of the Rowlands family have farmed the area they farm now. Keith Rowlands has been committed to riparian planting since 1996. He also talk about fishing and recreation – have a holiday but never leave the farm.
Interview by Tom Phillips
An interview with Heni George and Myree, mother and daughter
Memories of life across generations flow in this interview with Heni and Myree, giving a real sense of growing up in rural Taranaki.
Interview by Tom Phillips