Environment & Natural Resources
Our natural environment provides our physical sustenance as well as being a reminder of tipuna and the spiritual aspect of our existence. The health of our environment has a direct influence on the health of our people. We are charged to preserve and protect our air, water and lands, and the resources within for the benefit and survival of ourselves and our mokopuna.
The Kahungunu ki Uta, Kahungunu ki Tai, Marine and Freshwater Fisheries Strategic Plan (KKUKKT) sets out the aspirations of Kahungunu for the use and management of marine and freshwater fisheries within our rohe. KKUKKT seeks to reintegrate Kahungunu's customary non-commercial and customary commercial fisheries. The strategy prioritises local management in accordance with tikanga and supports the mana of hapū. Download the KKUKKT Strategy HERE. To view it on this website, click on Kahungunu plans.
Annual Report – Environmental and Natural Resources 2024-2025 - Te Taiao me ōna Rawa
Ngāti Kahungunu advocate for the protection and restoration of our environment and the empowerment of Ngāti Kahungunu whānau and hapū to assert their taiao rangatiratanga and to simply exist as ‘tangata whenua’. This focus acknowledges the intrinsic link between identity, well-being, our values and the taiao or te ao turoa; in particular through our taonga, mahinga kai and associated practices.
Our commitment has been demonstrated through wananga, monitoring, advice and support to our people, hapū and other tribal authorities (Taiwhenua and PSGE’s); promoting Ngāti Kahungunu taiao methodologies, standards; providing submissions and recommendations to environmental plan’s, proposals, consent conditions and initiatives via collaborations, engagement, Council and Environment Court hearings, and parliament select committee.
Over the last 12 months, the Kahungunu Taiao team has been actively involved in numerous environmental monitoring, research and advocacy efforts on critical issues.
Taiao Research and Monitoring:
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Surface and groundwater interaction and recharge – Ngaruroro Awa.
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Iwi centric river and flood plain management, restoring space for our waters – Ngaruroro and Tukituki.
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Te Kohanga project artificial reef enhancement -Tī kōuka mussel spat ropes.
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Waterway monitoring wananga and support – Whanganui ā Orotū, Heretaunga - Paritua / Karewarewa Streams, Wairoa Awa.
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Pāua monitoring wānanga and support– intertidal survey Waimārama.
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Provision of eDNA kits, which involves the identification of species in waterways throughout Te Matau ā Māui post cyclone.
It is critically important to recognise the reciprocal relationship between policy development and monitoring and research, as the data gathered not only informs better environmental management but also drives policies that shape future monitoring efforts, ensuring continuous improvement and adaptation.
Currently monitoring and policies make little difference in improving indigenous taiao outcomes.
Hearings, Environment Court, Fast Track and Government processes:
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Heretaunga and Ahuriri Freshwater Catchment Plan advocacy – waterway restoration and protection, water quality and quantity targets and limits.
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Ruataniwha groundwater takes – protection of diminishing groundwater, streams, springs, mauri and mahinga kai.
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Regional Policy amendments and recognition of Hawkes Bay Outstanding waterbodies.
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Supporting Hapū opposition to Maraekakaho Quarry in awa flood plain.
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On-going Consent condition implementation post involvement in relevant hearings and environment court – Gravel extraction Tukituki, Tūtaekurī and Ngaruroro; Wairoa Wastewater; Ravensdown Stormwater and Air discharge.
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Submissions on legislative changes such as the fast-track process, Three Waters reforms, and Resource Management Act (RMA) changes.
This year we held the 13th Annual Kahungunu Fish Hook Summit – charting our Taiao future which, show cased much of the work mentioned above and relevant across our rohe.
Additionally, Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. has provided advice and support throughout Ngāti Kahungunu on numerous taiao matters ensuring our cultural values and environmental priorities are upheld.
The focus remains on asserting our rangatiratanga and protecting the environment for the well-being of current and future generations. (www.kahungunu.iwi.nz/environment--natural-resources).
Ngaio Tiuka and Shade Smith
Ngati Kahungunu Taiao Unit
