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Two large kauri that were felled as part of the Puhoi to Warkworth motorway project are destined for a new life as possibly pou whenua.
The Northern Express Group (NX2) has confirmed that the logs will be held for Hokai Nuku cultural harvest after concerns were raised by a local farmer that the trees might be chipped. The kauri, along with a large totara, were cut down last month on land at the end of Carran Road, beside the Mahurangi River.
Pou tataki Gena Moses-Te Kani says the Hokai Nuku mana whenua alliance has participated in the motorway project since 2010. This has involved examining the cultural effects of the route, fieldwork, design and consenting.
“We have identified trees for cultural harvest, but unfortunately, because of the difficulty of accessing these two kauri, they were not part of that process,” Gena says. “I’m confident NX2 has reviewed its processes and this won’t happen again.”
Gena says trees and vegetation identified for cultural harvest will be used for a myriad of purposes, both within the project site and elsewhere. For instance, manuka and kanuka will be used to remake the palisades at the Te Hana Te Ao Marama cultural centre. Felled trees will also provide habitat for small fauna that has to be relocated.
It is envisaged that a number of pou whenua will be erected along the route, at sites of special significance, including the two pa sites that the motorway will pass near Puhoi.
