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.
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.
News
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Want to learn more or work with us to improve freshwater in the South Island?
Get in touch with us.