It has been two short years since the launch of the Mārahau Pledge and already the benefits are showing.
Since October 2022, the $25,000 investment through the Council’s Special Grants Fund has seen an idea grow into a fully-fledged regenerative tourism model, returning benefits to the local community and environment.
In this time, leveraging funding from tourism companies in the area, several local projects have, and continue to be, delivered, including the Mārahau Halo Trapping Project, a locally led public artwork, native plantings and essential equipment for the Otūwhero Wetland Restoration Project, the Abel Tasman Birdsong Trust’s upgrade of the Tinline Nature Walk, and the establishment of a māra kai (food gardens) and native nursery project.
In addition, ongoing funding has been made available to the Mārahau Sandy Bay Residents Association for placemaking improvements such as weeding and track improvements to ensure the village of Mārahau is well maintained and cared for.
The Marāhau Pledge is a model of the Council and community working together to further develop a unique future for generations to come.
Moving forward, the Pledge is an enduring operation looking to cater for a growing visitor sector through placemaking and infrastructure that goes hand in hand with meaningful enhancements to the local environment and community.
Pledge signatories will continue to work closely with the Council, community, mana whenua, and visitor sector partners, to progress important upgrades to the local infrastructure of Mārahau.