Te Whakatinanatanga o Te Mana o Te Wai
Supporting iwi, hapū, water users, and decision-makers to understand and implement policy that prioritises Te Mana o te Wai
Project Details Ngā taipitopito
Collaborators Ngā haumi
AgResearch | Bay of Plenty Regional Council | Environment Canterbury | Hikurangi Takiwa Trust | Ngāti Koata | Ngāti Kuia | Ngāti Tama Ki Te Waipounamu | Perception Planning | Poipoia Ltd | Te Ātiawa Manawhenua Ki Te Tau Ihu | Te Papatipu o Uepohatu Trust | Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rārua | Te Tari Taiao o Ngāti Rangiwewehi | Te Tau Ihu o te Waka a Māui – Ngāti Apa ki te Rā Tō | Tihia Limited | Tuanuku Limited | Victoria University Of Wellington | Whaia Legal
What does water need to be healthy and well? What does water need to sustain itself? Te Mana o Te Wai is now the first principle for freshwater management in Aotearoa – a paradigm shift that puts the health of water first.
Once the health of water is provided for, then we can determine the quality and quantity of water available for essential human health, followed by the wellbeing of people and communities (socially, economically, and culturally).
The National Policy Statement for Freshwater 2020 has provided a blueprint for this transformation, but the integrity of its implementation will be essential. This project engages with iwi and hapū to explore what Te Mana o te Wai is for them. This perspective can create tools, guidance, and support for all users of water in Aotearoa where many are struggling to understand and give effect to this mātauranga Māori centered concept.