November 02, 2020
Ngai Tahu takes water test case to courts
Ngāi Tahu has gone to the High Court seeking recognition of its rangatiratanga over the freshwater in its takiwā.
Kaiwhakahaere Lisa Tumahai says it’s concerned at environmental mismanagement leading to the ongoing degradation of rivers and lakes in the South Island.
It wants to make the crown address those issues in partnership with the iwi.
Ngāi Tūāhuriri upoko Te Maire Tau says the issue is one of tribal survival, as the Ngāi Tahu practice of mahinga kai is dependent on healthy waterways.
He says the Waitangi Tribunal’s stage two report on its freshwater inquiry indicated the need for a test case to determine rights, responsibilities and obligations to freshwater.
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