Environmental Submissions:
Te Taiao - Environment
Kaitiakitanga – the protection and preservation of our environment for future generations – is a priority. The trust aims to be the recognised body for dealing with environmental issues for Ngāti Rangitihi and will position our representatives on key environmental management bodies. As part of our five-year Strategic Plan work, the trust will address at least one key environmental issue for Ngāti Rangitihi and complete an iwi management plan by December 2011. A second key environmental issue will be addressed by December 2012.
Read more about our current involvement in environmental issues affecting Ngāti Rangitihi below.
Read more about our current involvement in environmental issues affecting Ngāti Rangitihi below.
Environmental Iwi Management Plan
An environmental iwi management plan is being prepared by Te Mana o Ngati Rangitihi Trust to assist in meeting the demands of statutory processes and the expectations of Ngati Rangitihi people that the iwi will be proactive in environmental management. The plan will be one of a number of tools and mechanisms that will ensure Ngati Rangitihi has a platform of principles and objectives from which to engage with a broad range of stakeholders including territorial local authorities, regional councils, developers and their consultants, government agencies and wider community.
An iwi management plan is a document that is recognised under the Resource Management Act 1991 by territorial local authorities and regional councils in the preparation of, and change of district plans, regional policy statements and regional plans.
The following scope provides the framework for the plan. These are:
· To confirm and map out rohe boundaries (including coastal boundaries)
· To map out historical sites and define historical significance for Ngāti Rangitihi
· To complete resource mapping for entire rohe
· To define state of whenua/natural resources (including sea)/ historical sites which aligns with Ngāti Rangitihi Kaupapa.
· To define Ngāti Rangithi tikanga/ kawa for managing natural landscape, resources (including fisheries).(Kaitiakitanga)
· Define framework for assessing consent applications and district, regional, national plans.
· Define consent management process.
· Define process for engaging with other agencies around district, regional, and national plans.
· To establish mātaitai reserves around the waterways in the eastern Bay of Plenty and specifically around the three rivers: Tarawera, Rangitāiki and Ōhinemataroa (optional).
The plan development process will engage with Ngati Rangitihi and key stakeholders with a view to creating high levels of awareness and understanding as well as appropriate ratification by decision makers.
We are currently recruiting for an Environment Manager to assist with the development of the iwi management plan. Click here to find out more.
An iwi management plan is a document that is recognised under the Resource Management Act 1991 by territorial local authorities and regional councils in the preparation of, and change of district plans, regional policy statements and regional plans.
The following scope provides the framework for the plan. These are:
· To confirm and map out rohe boundaries (including coastal boundaries)
· To map out historical sites and define historical significance for Ngāti Rangitihi
· To complete resource mapping for entire rohe
· To define state of whenua/natural resources (including sea)/ historical sites which aligns with Ngāti Rangitihi Kaupapa.
· To define Ngāti Rangithi tikanga/ kawa for managing natural landscape, resources (including fisheries).(Kaitiakitanga)
· Define framework for assessing consent applications and district, regional, national plans.
· Define consent management process.
· Define process for engaging with other agencies around district, regional, and national plans.
· To establish mātaitai reserves around the waterways in the eastern Bay of Plenty and specifically around the three rivers: Tarawera, Rangitāiki and Ōhinemataroa (optional).
The plan development process will engage with Ngati Rangitihi and key stakeholders with a view to creating high levels of awareness and understanding as well as appropriate ratification by decision makers.
We are currently recruiting for an Environment Manager to assist with the development of the iwi management plan. Click here to find out more.
Te Awa o Te Atua
The ongoing protection and sustainable management of Te Awa o Te Atua is one of the key environmental responsibilities for Ngāti Rangitihi and the Trust is committed to ensuring that our voice is heard in all major decisions affecting the awa and its surrounds.In March 2010, Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust joined with Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Rangitihi, Ngāti Tūwharetoa ki BOP Settlement Trust and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with Carter Holt Harvey and Norske Skog. The agreement enables the iwi and mill operators to work constructively on environment matters concerning the Tasman pulp and paper mills and the effects of the mill activities on Te Awa o Te Atua - the Tarawera River. The trust is represented on a committee established to discuss and promote environmental matters and projects and will be a part of all future initiatives to promote the health of the river.
Matatā Regeneration Project
The trust’s environmental strategy incorporates a number of strands including positioning and relationships, mapping requirements, planting projects and iwi management planning. Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust has completed a plan to position its representatives on key environmental management bodies. Other environmental work has included our involvement with the Whakatāne District Council in the resource consents and project development, the restoration of the lagoon at Matata, and the flood mitigation and debris retention project.
The debris flow and flood that occurred in May 2005 threatened lives and property in Matata. It has been a long process of rebuilding and rehabilitation including the incorporation of hazard mitigation measures to prevent future events of a similar nature. The five main projects for hazard mitigation and regeneration are as follows (click on a link to visit Whakatane District Council's site for further information):
The debris flow and flood that occurred in May 2005 threatened lives and property in Matata. It has been a long process of rebuilding and rehabilitation including the incorporation of hazard mitigation measures to prevent future events of a similar nature. The five main projects for hazard mitigation and regeneration are as follows (click on a link to visit Whakatane District Council's site for further information):
- Awatarariki Debris Detention Structure
- Awatarariki Stream and Lagoon Works
- Ohinekoao Stream
- Waimea Stream
- Waitepuru Bunding and Stream Works
Mātaitai Reserve Establishment
Te Mana o Ngāti Rangitihi Trust is also working with other tribes on a proposal to establish mātaitai reserves around the waterways in the Eastern Bay of Plenty and specifically around the three rivers: Te Awa o te Atua (Tarawera), Rangitāiki and Ōhinemataroa. Tangata whenua can apply to establish mātaitai on traditional fishing grounds for the purpose of recognising and providing for customary management practices and food gathering.
Work on the Mātaitai Reserve applications is ongoing and once established, Ngāti Rangitihi will have the ability to appoint customary fisheries officers who can provide permits to our people for traditional food gathering for whānau, tangihanga and other events.
Work on the Mātaitai Reserve applications is ongoing and once established, Ngāti Rangitihi will have the ability to appoint customary fisheries officers who can provide permits to our people for traditional food gathering for whānau, tangihanga and other events.
