Taiao

Settlement acknowledgement

In our settlement, the Crown acknowledged the land, mountains, lakes, rivers, hot springs, wetlands, and sea are vital to the iwi and hapū of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa.  These places are part of our identity and provide essential resources for our cultural, spiritual and physical well-being. Environmental damage from activities like deforestation, gravel extraction, invasive weeds and pests, farm run-off, sewage, industrial waste, roadworks, drainage, and harbour works causes distress and grievances for our whānau.

Hapū, and Iwi of Te Rohe o Te Wairoa Taiao Vision

The Hapū and Iwi are recognised as kaitiaki (guardians) of the environment.  We use Mātauranga Māori to ensure sustainable land use, support thriving biodiversity, and keep streams and rivers clean.

Our role

Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa facilitates iwi and hapū kaitiakitanga of the environment through support and advocacy with our Government partners.  Our long-term strategy focuses on flood protection, river mouth management, and climate change adaptation, promoting sustainable land use, biodiversity, and clean waterways for future generations.  Our activities include:

• Providing planning support, education, and resources for Kaitiaki.
• Advocating for issues affecting the environment across the region by submitting proposals for legislative and regulatory changes.
• Acting as a point of contact to coordinate relationships between the Regional council, industry, and kaitiaki.
• Facilitating engagement between kāhui, industry, and the Regional Council by handling resource management applications, addressing significant issues, and encouraging timely discussions.
• Helping identify funding opportunities and coordinating expert advice.
• Promoting sustainable business through land use change and diversification by working with government partners and industry to identify opportunities for land use change.
• Using research, monitoring, and evaluation to promote evidence-based changes.
• Identifying and promoting technology that gives easy access to information about the environment.