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Exploration Of Māori Participation In Freshwater Management

• 1.0 Executive Summary
• 2.0 Introduction
• 3.0 Literature Review
• 4.0 Interviews
• 5.0 Further Discussion
• 6.0 Conclusions
• Appendix 1 – List and summary of literature reviewed
• Appendix 2 – Regional policy statement review table and summaries
• Appendix 3 – Regional plan review table and summaries
• Appendix 4 – Long-term council community plan review tables
• Appendix 5 – Iwi management plan review tables

Appendix 5 – Iwi management plan review tables

1. Iwi management plan review table

2. Iwi management plan summary

Ngaiterangi Iwi Resource Management Plan (1995)

This plan focuses very much on coastal and harbour resources. As such, fresh water is referred to as a contributing resource to the harbour ie, inland waterways. The plan has hapū-centric sections that refer to pollution and siltation of inland waterways. The methods for addressing these issues include not issuing consents for sensitive waterways, restoration/conservation programmes for waterways, reduction of farm run-off and organic farming methods, recognition of land takings for water catchments and putting levies on any activity that has effects on inland waterways. The latter two sections of the plan relate to governance and management structures that will participate in management of natural and physical resources.

Pirirakau Hapū Environmental Management Plan (2004)

This plan sets out briefly the relationships between the hapū and fresh water with more emphasis on all natural and physical resources, in this context referred to as taonga. The role of Te Pirirakau is at a generic level. Issues and concerns regarding freshwater management are identified in a specific freshwater section as well as sections for wastewater, stormwater and water supply. The plan sets out a small number of methods including working with councils, monitoring water quality, educating landowners, and tracking progress of regional planning documents addressing water and discharges.

Ngāti Rehia Environmental Management Plan (2007)

This plan clearly sets out the structural framework for Ngāti Rehia governance and management and the way they wish to engage with statutory authorities, landowners and other stakeholders. The plan describes relationships with natural and physical resources, referred to often as taonga.

There is a specific section on water and, in particular, water quality and quantity. Issues are well-articulated and a considered list of policies and methods are provided. The methods include prohibitions on human effluent discharges to water, participating at all levels in plan preparation and implementation, fencing and riparian planting projects, support for community-based initiatives, relationships with statutory agencies and other hapū, and monitoring of implementation.

Waikato Iwi Management Plan (1996)

This plan provides a comprehensive description of the relationships Waikato iwi have with water as well as the role they wish to play. There are specific sections addressing water including fresh water. The plan sets out a large number of policies and methods for implementation. These are particularly focused on water quality and avoidance of contamination, prohibitions on physical modifications to freshwater bodies, use of Rāhui, consultation and participation on all subdivisions, water extraction, reclamations, dredging and maintenance that improves ‘natural’ stream environments. The plan also sets out how the role of iwi authorities shall be implemented and the social/political context for these relationships.

Ngāti Paoa Perspective on Resource Management (1993)

This plan is in two parts. The first provides perspective on resource management matters including water quality, conservation, wāhi tapu and process matters such as consultation, transfer of powers, contracting and silent files. Part two of the plan sets out policies regarding the role of Ngāti Paoa in management of natural and physical resources. This appears to be based on Treaty principles and Part II of the RMA. Whilst there is not a specific section on fresh water, the plan sets out a range of policies that are quite specific.

Implementation methods are incorporated into the policies and include ownership of natural resources, input into all decisions, transfer of powers, no planning restrictions to water use by tāngata whenua, regional council annual budget resources, technical expertise, consultation and relationships. A section on kaitiakitanga also provides a list of policies that incorporates methods of implementation. These include affirmative action against environmental degradation, observance of the lunar calendar, employment, scholarships, education and training, and restoration projects. A small number of other policies are relevant here which include monitoring of water systems, assisting preparation of iwi environmental management plans, Rāhui, iwi commissioners on hearings panels and active protection.

Ngāi Tai ki Umupuia Strategic Plan (2002–2005)

This strategic plan sets out the vision and underlying principles and values of Ngāi Tai ki Umupuia. The plan describes the relationship of the iwi with its environment and the role of the iwi in environmental management. The difference between this plan and plans developed within an RMA framework is that this plan does not include issues rather it is based on values and aspirations. The plan establishes a pathway for developing governance and management structures, financial systems and articulates the role of kaitiaki. The methods to achieving management of environment resources are relationships with statutory agencies.

Hauraki Iwi Environmental Plan (2004)

This plan incorporates a planning framework (background, issues, objectives, outcomes) and traditional principles and Matauranga Māori. The relationship and values related to the natural environment are described and the role of Hauraki encapsulated in a vision “kia mau ki te mauri o te Taiao o Hauraki”.

There are several sections that address freshwater matters. The most specific of these is on page 19 ‘Tangaroa Rerenga Wai Māori’. The section includes the nature of relationships (transport, food source, habitat) and the issues (loss of habitat, pollution, water use, loss of fisheries). The methods of implementation are included in section 5.5. There are seven catchment-based strategies, water quality and water quantity standards, habitat restoration and riparian planting, monitoring programmes and production of education material. These actions are to be conducted in partnership with councils, Department of Conservation, Ministry of Fisheries, National Institute of Water and Atmospheric Research and Landcare.

Kawerau a Maki Trust Resource Management Statement (1995)

This plan sets out the role of Kawerau a Maki as kaitiaki. The general approach is being active, promoting sustainable development, recognition as kaitiaki and internal education. The plan has a specific section on water (section 4.4) with a particular emphasis on freshwater bodies. This reflects interests in the Waitakere Ranges. Methods of implementation are incorporated into the policies which include recognition of cultural and spiritual concepts, disposal of wastewater through land, protection of waterways as a food source, maintaining and enhancing water quality, conservation and efficient use of water, and formal agreements with utilities supplying water.

Ngāti Pukenga he matakite (2000)

This plan sets out the vision for Ngāti Pukenga (2020) as part of Tauranga District Council’s long-term strategic direction in 2000. The plan has a section on environment which includes matters relating to fresh water. The plan generally promotes protection, enhancement and avoidance and specifically focuses on two water bodies. A number of solutions are provided including education of councils, representation of Māori in council and protection against development.

Wairoa River and Coastal Environment: Issues and Options Paper (1995)

This document sets out the issues and options for Ngāti Kahu hapū with regard to environmental management in the coastal river environment. Whilst the focus of the plan is the Wairoa River, there are specific references to freshwater quality and quantity and artesian waters. Strategies are included in the document that provide methods of implementation. These include preparation of hapū policy statements, access to monitoring information, assessment of effects of flow changes to river, no cost to hapū extracting artesian water, prohibiting commercial and inappropriate activities and improved access to water.

Draft Maniapoto Iwi Environmental Management Plan (2007)

This plan sets out four key principles of kaitiakitanga, rangatiratanga, kotahitanga and tumanako. The key broad objectives for the plan are participation in decision-making, communication and education, and effective relationships. Goals, targets and indicators are listed in the front section of the plan to achieve the broad objectives. With regard to fresh water, the goals, targets and indicators are focused on protection and enhancement. The tools to achieve these are incorporated in the targets and include implementation of the Cultural Health Index monitoring, territorial authority projects to prevent water pollution, Treaty partnerships, collaboration and relationships. The plan includes resource inventory and maps of sensitive areas including water bodies. Latter sections of the plan identify local management committee issues. Water and habitat quality are key concerns.

Tuwharetoa Environmental Iwi Management Plan (2003)

This plan uses a consistent format throughout of goals, issues, policies and methods of implementation. Kaitiakitanga and partnership set the scene and provide an approach that is supported by latter sections on the specific resources. The methods of implementation are focused on resource consent processes (monitoring and reviewing conditions on consents, making submissions, appointments to hearing committees) and other tools which support strategic governance and participation, representation, education and communication.

The taonga (resources) sections of the plan include water with a particular emphasis on Lake Taupo and springs. The methods of implementation and tools identified include the above resource consent participation and other tools but also establishing a resource management unit, developing environmental performance indicators, section 33 transfers, receipt of monitoring information regarding hydro projects, restoration and conservation work. The appendices include diagrams illustrating responsibilities and relationships with Ngāti Tuwharetoa. There are specific diagrams for water quality and cultural values.

Ngāi Tahu Freshwater Policy (no date, post-1998)

This is a specific policy document addressing freshwater management. It does not discuss ownership issues. It includes a section on the importance of fresh water, Treaty issues, the purpose, relationship with other documents, integrated management, and explanations of Ngāi Tahu values and uses associated with fresh water.

The policy statement provides detailed lists of policy for priority areas of wāhi tapu, mauri, mahinga kai and kaitiakitanga. The last section in the policy statement identifies goals, issues and possible indicators for measurement. A full list of local contacts is provided.

Te Tangi a Tauira (2008)

The Iwi Environment Management Plan for Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku aims to provide a living, working document that can assist them to effectively participate in natural resource and environmental policy and planning.

There has been ‘buy in’ from local authorities and as such the plan acts as a resource for local authorities to ensure Ngāi Tahu ki Murihiku issues and policies are provided for in planning documents and determines the nature and extent of consultation required with respect to specific activities or areas of importance.

General policies for the management of water are included in the plan.

The intention is for there to be links to planning documents which govern the resource management of water.

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