The Waikato River Authority

The Waikato river is Tainui’s tūpuna.  They state, ‘our relationship with the river and our respect for it lies at the heart of our spiritual and physical wellbeing, and our tribal identity and culture.’  ‘The river is the physical embodiment of the mana and mauri of the tribe.’  Mana whakahaere embodies the authority that Waikato-Tainui and other River tribes have established in respect of the Waikato River over many generations, to exercise control, access to and management of the Waikato River and its resources in accordance with tikanga (values, ethics and norms of conduct).

In 1995 Waikato-Tainui and the Crown reached a Treaty settlement that addressed the historical confiscations of tribal lands in the 1860s.

Tainui’s concerns over the state of the River and their claims in relation to it were set aside
from the settlement for further negotiations.  These commenced in 1999, led by Sir Robert Te Kotahi Mahuta on behalf of Waikato-Tainui.  The impetus for the iwi’s claim was their concern over the polluted state of the River and their lack of involvement in management of the waterways.

Following Sir Robert’s death, negotiations recommenced in 2005, leading to the deed of settlement and the Kingitanga Accord between the Crown (during the labour government) and Waikato-Tainui dated 22 August 2008.  On 17 December 2009 the Crown and Waikato Tainui signed a revised deed of settlement.  Other Iwi involved in the deal were Raukawa Trust Board, Te Pumautanga O Te Arawa, the Tuwharetoa Māori  Trust Board, and the Maniapoto Trust Board.

The deal was given recognition in the Waikato-Tainui Raupatu Claims (Waikato River) Settlement Act 2010 and the Ngati Tuwharetoa, Raukawa, and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Act 2010.  Together they establish a statutory body called the Waikato River Authority (previously called the Guardian’s Establishment Committee). The Authority consists of 10 members, five representing the local authority and five representing iwi.  The relationship is guided by certain principles of cooperation, good-faith, openness and honesty, and the overarching goal of restoring and protecting the River for future generations.  The Authority holds monthly meetings, generally open to the public, and must monitor efforts and report to the Crown and Tainui every 5 years.

A model of co-management can be drawn from the Waikato River Authority co-management system:

Waikato Co-Management Model

Visit the Waikato River Authority Website here: http://www.waikatoriver.org/