Leading freshwater solutions for Ngāi Tahu

Ko te wai te ora o ngā mea katoa

Water is the life giver of all things

Our purpose

Te Kura Taka Pini is the Ngāi Tahu organisation working to restore the health of our freshwater.

For decades, water quality and quantity in the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā has been under growing pressure. Te Kura Taka Pini (TKTP) brings together expertise in research, data, policy and practical action to create positive, sustainable solutions.

Through innovation, partnerships and freshwater expertise, we aspire to lead the way in sustainable and culturally grounded freshwater management.

Cleaner, healthier rivers and lakes

Improved data and research on freshwater

Solutions for sustainable water use

Safe, reliable drinking water for communities

Indigenous leadership and collaborative governance

Our work

Freshwater Litigation

In 2020 Ngāi Tahu filed a statement of claim in the High Court seeking recognition of its rangatiratanga over freshwater in the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā. Read more about the case.

Māngai Wai Māori

Launched in 2024, this water quality surveillance programme trains rūnanga personnel to carry out ongoing water testing at Ngāi Tahu kāinga. Read more about Māngai Wai Māori (our water champions).

Policy Reform

Ngāi Tahu wants to see a water governance and management system that transcends political cycles, grounded in long-term vision, stability and intergenerational thinking. Read more about our policy reform work.

Research

TKTP is participating in several joint research projects to help deliver solutions to freshwater challenges across the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā, as well as conducting internal, independent research. Read more about our research.