Under the Local Government Act 2002 and the Resource Management Act 1991, Environment Canterbury has responsibility to consult with and take account of Iwi with regard to the management of natural resources.

Who is Ngāi Tahu?

In Te Wai Pounamu (the South Island), one tribe, Ngāi Tahu occupies all but the most northern part of the island. The entire Canterbury region lies within the rohe (area) of Ngāi Tahu.

Ngāi Tahu Whānui are tāngata whenua within the rohe of Ngāi Tahu. The iwi is made up of whānau and hapū (family groups) who hold traditional authority – manawhenua - over particular areas. Ngāi Tahu are the iwi comprised of Ngāi Tahu whānui; that is, the collective of the individuals who descend from the five primary hapū of Ngāi Tahu, Ngāti Māmoe and Waitaha, namely Kāti Kurī, Ngāti Irakehu, Kāti Huirapa, Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Ngāi Te Ruahikihiki.

Image caption: Ngāi Tahu kaihoe/paddlers keeping alive ancient traditions on the waka ‘Kotukumairangi’. Photo courtesy Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Manawhenua is determined by whakapapa – genealogical ties, and confers traditional political authority over an area. Once acquired, manawhenua is secured by ahi kā - continued occupation and resource use.

Environment Canterbury recognises manawhenua through its relationship and consultation with Papatipu Rūnanga and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.

Information above sourced from Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu website and the Canterbury Regional Policy Statement.