Water Degradation Crisis Needs Action says Ngāi Tahu
Special Report
The on-going degradation of water i.e. rivers, streams and lakes is now so critical across the South Island and needs immediate action says Justin Tipa, chairman Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
“Freshwater is in crisis across the South Island, and Ngāi Tahu is simply taking action on behalf of all South Islanders,” he said.
For years, successive governments have failed to address the degradation of the public’s lakes, rivers and groundwater.
“New Zealand continues to operate under an outdated, first-come, first-served water allocation system that fails to incentivise efficient or environmentally sustainable use of freshwater,” said Justin Tipa. “While some changes have been made, the fundamental issues persist and the rights and interests of iwi have been ignored”.
Test Case
In 2019, the Waitangi Tribunal signalled the need for a test case to define iwi rights in freshwater.
“Ngāi Tahu has committed significant resources to bring this case to the High Court in Christchurch. We seek declarations that affirm our rangatiratanga (the right to determine outcomes) over freshwater and require the Government to work with us in designing a better system that safeguards the environment and brings benefit to everyone,” he explained.
Justin Tips emphasised the case is not about ownership or control. but is about upholding rights and responsibilities as kaitiaki (traditional guardians) to protect and manage freshwater according to tikanga (protocol).
Science
Over the past five years, Ngāi Tahu has invested heavily in scientific and technical research, equipping themselves to lead the way in developing solutions that will ensure the
long-term health and sustainability of the public’s South Island’s waterways.
“We are not advocating for exclusive rights over freshwater. Instead, we assert our role in shaping a system that benefits the environment and all those who rely on it,” he reiterated.
Footnote:-The full text of Tipa’s comments is available on the Website of Te Runanga O Ngāi Tahu under “Te Panui Runaka”.
I guess when Treaty issues were discussed Ngai Tahu would have had no comprehension that the government would take and pollute freshwater on the scale it has. It is unbelievable for a non Maori New Zealander.
Ngai tahu have stepped in because the last three governments (Key/Ardern and Luxon’s) have dodged taking action. Key’s government via Environment Minister Nick Smith denied rivers were degraded (remember that farce?), Ardern promised but did very little if anything and Luxon via Jones and Bishop has unleashed an all out exploitation Fast Track law.
The public seem to have been distracted. In 2017 it was the number one public concern; now it languishes at about 5th.
Someone needed to step up. Ngai Tahu has.
Justin Tipa has taken the right approach basing is arguments on data. Something they have been collecting for some time. I would love to hear how much info they have on inaction, vested interest action and mis/dis-information from mainland regional councils. I have served on F&G with a Ngai Tahu representative and found his support very constructive. They may well prove to be our most effective ally in saving mainland waterways.
Pardon the cynicism but something about Greeks baring gifts springs to mind when it comes to Mr Tipa offering to take the case on behalf of all Sth Islanders and that it is not about ownership or control BUT someone has to do something because the govt have failed to. Kind of crazy really given that at the end of the day no water/poisoned water means it’s all over bar the shouting. Fairly fundamental. Nature abhors a vacuum and Ngai Tahu appears to be rushing in to fill the yawning void left by successive nervous ministers and bureaucrats.
Justice Dunn, I wouldn’t term ministers and “nervous”. How about instead we call them for what they are?
Words such as MPs being self interested, incompetent, devious in dodging duties, bureaucrats scheming — again self interested, self serving Oh! I could go on and on with other words but the moderator of NZFFA’s website wouldn’t tolerate them.
Successive governments since 1984 (ironic year!) have badly and sadly failed the public and the environment.
With reference to Tony Orman’s comment, don’t stop at the Key government. PMs Shipley, Bolger, Clark, Muldoon, Marshall and Rowling did little or nothing. Quite the opposite for they degraded the people’s property. Do you recall Marshall with drowning Lake Manapouri, Muldoon and Birch with the National Development Conference and “Think Big” projects?
It’s been a steady decline accelerated by shortsighted population growth, faulty economic policies around the flawed GDP adherence and an insensitivity to quality of living and the environment.
Worse still the politicians self lauded themselves, bestowed luxurious gifts via superannuation, gave themselves knighthoods etc.,