E1: [Placeholder] Abundance of, condition of, and access to mahinga kai by mana whenua is increasing

Why are we measuring this?

Mahinga kai is a central value for Papatipu Rūnanga and a key indicator of cultural, social and environmental health in Waitaha Canterbury. Its meaning is unique to each iwi, hapū and whānau, and encompasses cultural practices, relationships between people and place, ecological health, and access-based values.

As the regional council for Waitaha Canterbury, many of the decisions we make or influence impact the health of the environment that can support the aspirations of mana whenua and mana moana for abundant, thriving and accessible mahinga kai. It is essential that we understand our impact on these aspirations, to ensure that the services we deliver today support the environmental, public health, cultural and social outcomes that matter most – now and for future generations.

We are committed to partnering with mana whenua and others to protect and enhance the aspirations of mana whenua. A clearly defined measure will support our understanding of the effectiveness of our work, identify where greater support is needed, and align our people and resources to have the greatest impact.

How do we measure the result?

Currently, this outcome measure is a placeholder. This placeholder reflects our commitment to co-develop the measure with each Papatipu Rūnanga. We’ve chosen not to rush. Instead, we are recognising the rangatiratanga of each Papatipu Rūnanga by ensuring this outcome is developed in a way that reflects their mātauranga and priorities, and that the measurement, process and mātauranga remains with each Papatipu Rūnanga. It acknowledges that mahinga kai is a priority – but also that meaningful measurement takes time, care, and collaboration.

What work have we undertaken to contribute to this outcome?

Much of our work, particularly our work in Environmental Regulation and Protection, has the potential to contribute to mahinga kai outcomes.

We are working in partnership with Papatipu Rūnanga to co-design a culturally grounded approach to this outcome measure. This includes two phases:

1. Development Phase–this phase involves engaging with each Papatipu Rūnanga to understand their aspirations and then to develop a measurement framework. This phase may also include prototyping measurement tools that will enable the assessment of mahinga kai outcomes as informed by mātauranga Māori approaches.
2. Implementation Phase – the framework will be embedded in our evaluation and reporting systems, enabling annual tracking and continuous improvement.

Who else plays a role?

Each Papatipu Rūnanga exercise their rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga through leading significant work to protect, restore and enhance mahinga kai.

Central government sets national policy direction for local authorities to implement, such as through laws, national policy statements and environmental standards.

Government agencies, district and city councils and community and catchment groups are undertaking work that may contribute to mahinga kai outcomes.

Where can I find more information?

Read about mahinga kai on Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu.