Leading better freshwater outcomes for Ngāi Tahu

Te Kura Taka Pini was established in 2019 to address the long-standing challenges created by decades of poor water management and environmental pollution, and the Crown’s failure to uphold Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga (tribal authority) over freshwater. These issues continue to affect the quality and quantity of freshwater within the Ngāi Tahu Takiwā (tribal area) today.

Our purpose is to drive improved freshwater outcomes and uphold Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga through our expertise in policy, data, research and practical, on-the-ground action.

To advance this kaupapa, we are delivering a range of workstreams across several key areas, including:

• Developing solutions for sustainable, responsible water usage
• Leading and participating in scientific research projects to better understand and solve freshwater challenges
• Advocating for and developing policy reforms
• Partnering to advance freshwater outcomes (e.g. relationships with scientific organisations, communities, local and central government)
• Advancing the Ngāi Tahu freshwater legal claim

For Ngāi Tahu, freshwater is a taonga (treasured and sacred). Waterbodies are part of the whakapapa (genealogy) and central to identity and wellbeing. Our identity and survival have been tied to the clean, life-giving waters that flow from the mountains to the sea for many generations.

Mahinga kai (traditional food gathering) in rivers, lakes and wetlands is a critical part of life for Ngāi Tahu – not just for nourishment, but as a way for whānau (families) to connect with their whenua (land), and to pass mātauranga (cultural knowledge and practice) on to the next generation, along with tribal history, pūrākau (stories), waiata (songs) and karakia (prayers).

When rivers and lakes are degraded, it is not only ecosystems that suffer, but the ability of Ngāi Tahu to live as who they are: kaitiaki (stewards), harvesters and people of the water.

Around two-thirds of New Zealand’s surface water and over 70% of groundwater lies within our takiwā, the largest of any tribe in New Zealand. We, and the rest of the community, need healthy, clean and environmentally sustainable freshwater systems for drinking water, recreation and economic opportunities.