Special Report
The on-going degradation of water i.e. rivers, streams and lakes is now so critical across the South Island and needs immediate action says Justin Tipa, chairman Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu
“Freshwater is in crisis across the South Island, and Ngāi Tahu is simply taking action on behalf of all South Islanders,” he said.
For years, successive governments have failed to address the degradation of the public’s lakes, rivers and groundwater.
“New Zealand continues to operate under an outdated, first-come, first-served water allocation system that fails to incentivise efficient or environmentally sustainable use of freshwater,” said Justin Tipa. “While some changes have been made, the fundamental issues persist and the rights and interests of iwi have been ignored”.
Test Case
In 2019, the Waitangi Tribunal signalled the need for a test case to define iwi rights in freshwater.
“Ngāi Tahu has committed significant resources to bring this case to the High Court in Christchurch. We seek declarations that affirm our rangatiratanga (the right to determine outcomes) over freshwater and require the Government to work with us in designing a better system that safeguards the environment and brings benefit to everyone,” he explained.
Justin Tips emphasised the case is not about ownership or control. but is about upholding rights and responsibilities as kaitiaki (traditional guardians) to protect and manage freshwater according to tikanga (protocol).
Science
Over the past five years, Ngāi Tahu has invested heavily in scientific and technical research, equipping themselves to lead the way in developing solutions that will ensure the
long-term health and sustainability of the public’s South Island’s waterways.
“We are not advocating for exclusive rights over freshwater. Instead, we assert our role in shaping a system that benefits the environment and all those who rely on it,” he reiterated.
Footnote:-The full text of Tipa’s comments is available on the Website of Te Runanga O Ngāi Tahu under “Te Panui Runaka”.
Justin Tipa – “freshwater crisis”
I’ll back anyone, political party or whatever, who champions restoring our degraded freshwater. Well spoken Justin Tipa.
Water pollution in New Zealand is a growing problem. Two thirds of rivers are too polluted to swim in and once-safe drinking water is increasingly contaminated with harmful nitrates. We must protect fresh water. No political party seems to realise the crisis.
Well said Frank Henry. The only, medium to large non polluted, good trout rivers at source, either main body or tributary’s,? in my region?originate in The Ureweras, Controlled by Tuhoe. You won’t see any future pollution there?? Once they leave Tuhoe control?? That is a different story?? Frank Murphy.
Yes this needs urgent action.
What I do find a shame is that champions of fresh and sea water degradation such as marlboroughs Tony Orman, myself included have been ignored by successive councils and ministers. In my case for over twenty years and Tony’s probably 40+ with his research and study efforts being absolutely fantastic and factual.
It is the shame that only now with the might of the Ngai Tahu iwi behind the cause I expect politicians to take notice.
In our particular area being Marlborough the water has been given away in such vast quantities to viticulture that our main river in winter still doesn’t flow at rates like a summer of two decades ago.
The viticulture industry that takes our water has been outed multiple times of ghastly incidents of poisoning waterways that they leave behind after dumping waste to them.
I fully support the Iwi carrying the flag on behalf of south Islanders and hope they can carry it higher and much further than past champions.
Hello Pete, yes you’re so correct about viticulture taking aquifer water which in turn lowers the water table and the flow in rivers.
You can add another extraction namely that by pine plantations. Pines require a high amount of water which they take, the older the pines the more they take so river flows are getting lower and lower as more vineyards go in and more pines (including the advent of unmanaged pine plantations under stupid carbon farming )are planted.
Politicians have failed.
I hope Ngai tahu are sincere. Sorry but human nature kniows so many twists and turns.