Annual Report – Environmental and Natural Resources 2022-2023 - Te Taiao me ōna Rawa

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Ngāti Kahungunu is collaborating with Ngāi Tahu regarding our respective indigenous water rights.  Currently, Ngāti Kahungunu has a draft Statement of Claim for the High Court and is working through identifying a few key examples expressing these rights. 

 

The 3 waters reform, splits Ngāti Kahungunu into 3 newly proposed water services areas and entities, entity E, F and G that take over territorial local authority stormwater, drinking water and wastewater responsibilities. The catalyst for these reforms was the Havelock North gastro outbreak, the current process heavily focuses on pipes, processes, and procurement and less on Taiao implications at this stage. There is very little about taiao outcomes and relevance to the Iwi Taiao Unit at this stage.

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Amazingly, the irony is the proposed RMA reforms which includes easier pathways to degrade our water quality through rehashed ‘averaging’ policy and creates conflict with the national policy of Te Mana o Te Wai.  We are addressing these conflicts and many others through catchment proposals and plan development, formal proceedings like Environment Court (for the TANK waterways) and informally through discussions and advice to relevant tribal authorities including Taiwhenua. There is a long road ahead if Te Mana o Te Wai and the health and well-being of our waterways is truly a priority in action.

 

We worked alongside Tamatea tangata whenua in opposing an increase in groundwater takes in Central Hawkes Bay, our collective opposition was upheld in hearing proceedings however, the applicants have appealed to Environment Court. 

 

Typically, Consents and Cultural Impact assessments are not the business of the Iwi Taiao Unit although, we do provide advice and expertise where possible and invited (or insisted).  We have invested and worked alongside whānau and hapū (tribal authorities) on improving operations and management via conditions on several consents, including Wairoa Wastewater, Ravensdown storm water and air discharges, and Gravel Extraction for the Tukituki, Ngaruroro and Tutaekuri.

 

This year’s 12th annual Ngāti Kahungunu Fish Hook Summit had its largest attendance ever and the theme was focused on the impacts of Cyclone Gabrielle, with experts and whānau presenting on what happened, the causes and possible solutions.

 

We are fortunate that our research relationships are meaningful and that we can network and discuss issues like these flood impacts, river, gravel management, water allocation, stop banks with a range of experts so we are better equipped to make informed decisions. 

 

Tangata whenua have long advocated for improved and greater natural management of our waterways such as moving stop banks back and limiting further encroachment on our flood plains; Tropical Cyclone Gabrielle has highlighted greater rationale for this approach that was previously ignored and still might be. We have constantly pushed for restoration and making room for rivers against an entirely western engineering approach that is not fit for purpose, doesn’t consider tangata whenua and as we experienced doesn’t actually work, including many unintended negative consequences. The Iwi Taiao Unit looks forward to continuing to work alongside Taiao kaimahi as capacity grows, while offering our experience and expertise. (www.kahungunu.iwi.nz/environment--natural-resources).

Ngaio Tiuka and Shade Smith

Ngati Kahungunu Taiao Unit