Māori Development & Environment: the Napier Estuary as an example
Whanaketanga Māori ki Manaaki taiao: Te Whanganui-a-Orotū
Te Whatu’s Lament |
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Kia horo te haere ngā taumata ki Te Poraiti |
Go quickly to the heights of Poraiti That is the land in a proverb of your ancestors The storehouse that never closed is Te Whanga A meal in the morning A meal at noon A meal in the evening |
A proverb by Tamatea pōkai-whenua pōkai-moana |
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Te karoro tangi tararau mai i runga o Tapu |
The many screaming seagulls above Tapu Te Ranga The thick-sided flounders of Ōtiere The knocking sound of paua at Tāhinga The sound of pupu at Matakārohirohi The large-limbed rats at Rimariki The fern roots of Pukekohu |
These words composed by Te Whatu and Tamatea pōkai-whenua pōkai-moana, prominent ancestors of Ngāti Kahungunu, illustrate the incredible richness and diversity of resources that were present in Te Whanganui-a-Orotū (Napier Estuary). Even after the earthquake of 1931, which saw the lagoon floor rise by 2 metres, the area still continued to provide spiritual and physical sustenance to the tangata whenua.
Today Te Whanganui-a-Orotū is a shadow of its former self. Surrounded by Napier city, there are concerns about the eff ects agricultural and industrial activities and urban expansion are having on this local jewel and regional icon. The depth of this concern was such that tangata whenua put in place a rāhui (a Māori rule enforced to provide protection) prohibiting food gathering and limiting other activities. Manaaki Whenua researchers engaged with Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganuia-Orotū (the governing body representing the hapū of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū) in a proposal to investigate how Western science methods could help in assessing the well-being of the estuary. From this, “He moemoea mō Te Whanganui-a-Orotū – A vision plan and health assessment for the Napier Estuary” was born.
“This project is a significant first step in assessing the impact of past and present industrial and other activities on Te Whanganui-a-Orotū,” says Maia Kaukau of Te Taiwhenua. The project has two components. One is science research investigating the health of the ecosystem, using two taonga species: pātiki tōtara (yellow belly flounder) and tuangi (cockles). The other is the creation of a 25-year living document looking at people’s aspirations for the future management of the estuary. The plan includes extensive consultation with stakeholders from regional and district councils and organisations such as the Port Authority and DOC.
Within the wider political context of Te Whanganui-a-Orotū, this project aligns with the Waitangi Tribunal Claim 55 (Wai 55) lodged by seven hapū in 1988 to seek redress from the Crown for past breaches of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi. The Tribunal has ruled in favour of several of the claimants’ allegations and has recommended financial recompense and the return of land assets, including the Napier Estuary – in conjunction with development of a new regime for its management.
While Wai 55 negotiations between the claimants and the Crown progress, Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui-a-Orotū will continue to engage with research providers that can assist their aspirations for truly sustainable management and development of resources that will be returned to them by way of the Wai 55 Claim or which may become part of future investments.
“This aspiration is echoed throughout Māoridom, as we believe we are only guardians of a world that tomorrow our children will inherit,” Maia Kaukau says. “Therefore, we must ensure appropriate processes are put in place to leave the environment in a better condition for future generations, while maintaining an acceptable level of development of this important resource.
“To ensure sustainable management of this complex system we are working towards a partnership that will facilitate the inclusion of mātauranga Māori – Māori knowledge – alongside social values that will preserve the integrity of the environment while maintaining economic growth.”
Talk to us |
Funding |
| Jamie Ataria Tel 03 321 9606 
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Ngā Pae o Te Māramatanga |