Te Urewera (protected area) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Te Urewera |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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 Te Urewera
Location in New Zealand
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| Location | Hawke's Bay |
| Nearest city | Gisborne, New Zealand |
| Area | 2,127 km2 (821 sq mi) |
| Established | 1954 |
| Governing body | Department of Conservation |
| Website | DOC page |
Te Urewera is a special natural area in New Zealand. It is located near the east coast of the North Island. This place used to be a national park, which is a large area of land protected by the government.
In 2014, Te Urewera changed from being a national park. It became a unique legal entity, meaning it now has its own legal rights, much like a person. This makes Te Urewera the first natural place in the world to have such rights! It is still a protected area, covering about 2,127 square kilometers. This makes it a very large and important rainforest.
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What is Te Urewera?
Te Urewera is a vast, wild area known for its beautiful forests and lakes. It was once the biggest of four national parks on New Zealand's North Island. It is also one of the most isolated rainforests in the region. This means it is far away from cities and towns.
The main road that goes through Te Urewera is State Highway 38. A big part of this road, about 74 kilometers, is not sealed. This means it is a gravel road, which adds to the wild feel of the area.
History of Te Urewera
Te Urewera was first made a national park on July 28, 1954. At that time, it included the areas around Lake Waikaremoana and Lake Waikareiti. Over the years, more land was added to the park. This helped to protect more of its natural beauty.
Even though it was a national park, some parts were not included. For example, the lake beds and areas owned by the Māori people (the native people of New Zealand) were separate. The New Zealand government used to lease the lake bed. The Department of Conservation helped manage the park.
The Tuhoe People and Te Urewera
Te Urewera is the traditional home of the Tuhoe people. They have lived there for a very long time. Because the area is so isolated, it was one of the last places in New Zealand to be settled by the British in the 1800s.
The Tuhoe people have a deep connection to Te Urewera. In March 2013, they reached an agreement with the New Zealand government. This agreement settled their historical claims at the Waitangi Tribunal. The Waitangi Tribunal looks into claims made by Māori people against the government.
As part of this agreement, the Tuhoe people received money and more control over Te Urewera. In 2014, a new law called the Te Urewera Act was passed. This law changed Te Urewera from a national park into a special legal entity.
Te Urewera Today
Even though Te Urewera is no longer called a "national park," it is still a protected area. It meets the international standards for a national park, which means it is still very important for nature.
Today, Te Urewera is managed by the Te Urewera Board. This board includes members from both the Tuhoe people and the New Zealand government. The area is still open for everyone to visit and enjoy. The Department of Conservation continues to work with the Board to look after the walking tracks and facilities.
This unique way of managing Te Urewera shows how important it is to respect both nature and the rights of the people who have lived there for generations.
See also
In Spanish: Te Urewera para niños
