Table of contents<\/h4>\n\n\n\n\n- The life force of water<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Te Mana o te Wai in the regulations<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Te Mana o te Wai in practice<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Human activities are currently degrading the rivers of Aotearoa<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- The need for sustainable water management in Hawkes Bay<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Better regulation works for healthy rivers<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Bringing people together<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Let\u2019s recognise the many opportunities of Te Mana o te Wai<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Timeline of Te Mana o te Wai<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n\n
The life force of water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-aotearoa-stateless\/2024\/05\/a7bb021b-te-waikoropupu-springs-1024x577.jpg\" "\\"A")
Te Waikoropup\u016b Springs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nWai (water) is essential for life. For the wild animals that live in the streams, wetlands and rivers. And for people who need it for drinking, eating and cleaning. <\/p>\n\n
Rivers and streams sustain more than just life. For generations the people living around a water body have relied on it for food, to swim, and to live well. When the water is gone, the way of life goes too. <\/p>\n\n
Most people in New Zealand deeply care about the health of the rivers and have a special connection with fresh water. Most of us know streams, rivers, and watery places that are important to us. We visit places of such pure water as Rotomairewhenua, the Blue Lake<\/a> or Te Waikoropupu Springs<\/a> to refresh our spirits. <\/p>\n\nThe concept of \u2018te mana o te wai\u2019 recognises the power and significance of water to all life, its life force, the integrity of a river. Te mana o te wai recognises and aims to protect the mauri<\/a>, the life force of water. It recognises the river or spring has a right to be, for its own sake.<\/p>\n\nIn te Ao M\u0101ori, a river is often regarded as atua<\/a> or tupuna<\/a>, and oftentimes given personhood. In a pepeha,<\/a> by which M\u0101ori introduce themselves, rivers – and mountains, ocean, creatures and the land itself – are identifying parts of their whakapapa<\/a> or lineage. These are reciprocal relationships of mutual care and guardianship. <\/p>\n\nThis M\u0101ori worldview can lead us to treat the land and water with the respect we give our family. As a concept te mana o te wai signifies the respect we should give the water that gives us life.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai in the regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nIn 2014 the Government of the time placed Te Mana o Te Wai within the National Policy Statement for Fresh Water. Te Mana o te Wai would be a consideration when authorities were deciding whether or not to allow developments to go ahead.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai sets a simple order of priorities. It states that:<\/p>\n\n
\n- authorities must consider the health of the freshwater ecosystems before any proposed development. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Secondly, authorities must consider people\u2019s ability to access healthy water – for example, their access to safe drinking water. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finally, other uses of water are considered, including commercial and business interests if the first two priorities have been met.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai is a world-leading policy because it prioritises the health of water in and of itself above all other uses of water. It also recognises people\u2019s connection to water.<\/p>\n\n
The National Policy Statement sets out that in consultation with the communities and iwi, councils must set long-term visions, goals and values with timeframes for improving health of the defined water bodies. For example, ecosystem health is one of the five compulsory values, and drinking water supply is one of the nine other values.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai is a crucial part of the National Policy Statement to improve the health of water bodies for the generations to come. It\u2019s one of the only protections that exist in Aotearoa that could stop the pollution of water bodies, drinking water, and rivers at the source. <\/p>\n\n
Now, in 2024 the Government is proposing to remove this protection, saying <\/strong>commercial entities no longer have to comply with Te Mana o Te Wai<\/a> while they review the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.<\/p>\n\nThe Government wants to turn Te Mana o te Wai on its head – to favour economic uses above the life-supporting capacity of water.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai in practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n![\"Nitrates](\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-aotearoa-stateless\/2021\/08\/7980065a-imani-vdq-e3rtaoe-unsplash-1024x683.jpg\" "\\"Nitrates")
<\/figure>\n\n\ud83d\udca7 When managing fresh water Te Mana o te Wai ensures the health and well-being of the water is protected.<\/strong> If the river is healthy, the wildlife, the threatened tuna (eels) and many native birds, will thrive.<\/p>\n\nTaking into account the needs of a river can also mean providing for a water body to express its natural form and character. This could be by moving within its bed or changing course.<\/p>\n\n
\ud83d\udeb0 If the river is healthy then people are healthy. <\/strong>People who live near the river can swim and collect food. It means councils can source clean drinking water for the population.<\/p>\n\nWe call the waterbody that drinking water is drawn from, such as a lake, river or aquifer, \u2018source water\u2019. Water sources are often underground and collect water over decades from many different water bodies.<\/p>\n\n
\ud83d\udeb0\ud83d\udca7<\/strong> If the river is healthy and people are healthy then Te Mana o te Wai allows other uses, such as irrigation. <\/strong>These other uses also need to give benefit and create wellbeing, which may be economic. Commercial use must be sustainable and safeguard the life-supporting capacity of the water.<\/p>\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-aotearoa-stateless\/2024\/05\/c5011770-tmotw-1024x730.png\" "\\"An")
<\/figure>\n\nTe Mana o te Wai as a policy, aims to restore and preserve the balance between the water, the wider environment, and the community. This \u2018balance\u2019 isn\u2019t intended to signal a trade-off between Te Mana o te Wai and other goals. It emphasises that healthy fresh water is a prerequisite for a healthy wider environment and community.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai does not give final say, or assign decision-making over fresh water decisions to anyone; but it does say to include the community and mana whenua<\/a>, the people of that area, in decision-making. <\/p>\n\n
The life force of water<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nTe Waikoropup\u016b Springs<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\nWai (water) is essential for life. For the wild animals that live in the streams, wetlands and rivers. And for people who need it for drinking, eating and cleaning. <\/p>\n\n
Rivers and streams sustain more than just life. For generations the people living around a water body have relied on it for food, to swim, and to live well. When the water is gone, the way of life goes too. <\/p>\n\n
Most people in New Zealand deeply care about the health of the rivers and have a special connection with fresh water. Most of us know streams, rivers, and watery places that are important to us. We visit places of such pure water as Rotomairewhenua, the Blue Lake<\/a> or Te Waikoropupu Springs<\/a> to refresh our spirits. <\/p>\n\nThe concept of \u2018te mana o te wai\u2019 recognises the power and significance of water to all life, its life force, the integrity of a river. Te mana o te wai recognises and aims to protect the mauri<\/a>, the life force of water. It recognises the river or spring has a right to be, for its own sake.<\/p>\n\nIn te Ao M\u0101ori, a river is often regarded as atua<\/a> or tupuna<\/a>, and oftentimes given personhood. In a pepeha,<\/a> by which M\u0101ori introduce themselves, rivers – and mountains, ocean, creatures and the land itself – are identifying parts of their whakapapa<\/a> or lineage. These are reciprocal relationships of mutual care and guardianship. <\/p>\n\nThis M\u0101ori worldview can lead us to treat the land and water with the respect we give our family. As a concept te mana o te wai signifies the respect we should give the water that gives us life.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai in the regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\nIn 2014 the Government of the time placed Te Mana o Te Wai within the National Policy Statement for Fresh Water. Te Mana o te Wai would be a consideration when authorities were deciding whether or not to allow developments to go ahead.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai sets a simple order of priorities. It states that:<\/p>\n\n
\n- authorities must consider the health of the freshwater ecosystems before any proposed development. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Secondly, authorities must consider people\u2019s ability to access healthy water – for example, their access to safe drinking water. <\/li>\n\n\n\n
- Finally, other uses of water are considered, including commercial and business interests if the first two priorities have been met.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai is a world-leading policy because it prioritises the health of water in and of itself above all other uses of water. It also recognises people\u2019s connection to water.<\/p>\n\n
The National Policy Statement sets out that in consultation with the communities and iwi, councils must set long-term visions, goals and values with timeframes for improving health of the defined water bodies. For example, ecosystem health is one of the five compulsory values, and drinking water supply is one of the nine other values.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai is a crucial part of the National Policy Statement to improve the health of water bodies for the generations to come. It\u2019s one of the only protections that exist in Aotearoa that could stop the pollution of water bodies, drinking water, and rivers at the source. <\/p>\n\n
Now, in 2024 the Government is proposing to remove this protection, saying <\/strong>commercial entities no longer have to comply with Te Mana o Te Wai<\/a> while they review the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.<\/p>\n\nThe Government wants to turn Te Mana o te Wai on its head – to favour economic uses above the life-supporting capacity of water.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o te Wai in practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n\ud83d\udca7 When managing fresh water Te Mana o te Wai ensures the health and well-being of the water is protected.<\/strong> If the river is healthy, the wildlife, the threatened tuna (eels) and many native birds, will thrive.<\/p>\n\nTaking into account the needs of a river can also mean providing for a water body to express its natural form and character. This could be by moving within its bed or changing course.<\/p>\n\n
\ud83d\udeb0 If the river is healthy then people are healthy. <\/strong>People who live near the river can swim and collect food. It means councils can source clean drinking water for the population.<\/p>\n\nWe call the waterbody that drinking water is drawn from, such as a lake, river or aquifer, \u2018source water\u2019. Water sources are often underground and collect water over decades from many different water bodies.<\/p>\n\n
\ud83d\udeb0\ud83d\udca7<\/strong> If the river is healthy and people are healthy then Te Mana o te Wai allows other uses, such as irrigation. <\/strong>These other uses also need to give benefit and create wellbeing, which may be economic. Commercial use must be sustainable and safeguard the life-supporting capacity of the water.<\/p>\n\n<\/figure>\n\nTe Mana o te Wai as a policy, aims to restore and preserve the balance between the water, the wider environment, and the community. This \u2018balance\u2019 isn\u2019t intended to signal a trade-off between Te Mana o te Wai and other goals. It emphasises that healthy fresh water is a prerequisite for a healthy wider environment and community.<\/p>\n\n
Te Mana o Te Wai does not give final say, or assign decision-making over fresh water decisions to anyone; but it does say to include the community and mana whenua<\/a>, the people of that area, in decision-making. <\/p>\n\n
Wai (water) is essential for life. For the wild animals that live in the streams, wetlands and rivers. And for people who need it for drinking, eating and cleaning. <\/p>\n\n
Rivers and streams sustain more than just life. For generations the people living around a water body have relied on it for food, to swim, and to live well. When the water is gone, the way of life goes too. <\/p>\n\n
Most people in New Zealand deeply care about the health of the rivers and have a special connection with fresh water. Most of us know streams, rivers, and watery places that are important to us. We visit places of such pure water as Rotomairewhenua, the Blue Lake<\/a> or Te Waikoropupu Springs<\/a> to refresh our spirits. <\/p>\n\n The concept of \u2018te mana o te wai\u2019 recognises the power and significance of water to all life, its life force, the integrity of a river. Te mana o te wai recognises and aims to protect the mauri<\/a>, the life force of water. It recognises the river or spring has a right to be, for its own sake.<\/p>\n\n In te Ao M\u0101ori, a river is often regarded as atua<\/a> or tupuna<\/a>, and oftentimes given personhood. In a pepeha,<\/a> by which M\u0101ori introduce themselves, rivers – and mountains, ocean, creatures and the land itself – are identifying parts of their whakapapa<\/a> or lineage. These are reciprocal relationships of mutual care and guardianship. <\/p>\n\n This M\u0101ori worldview can lead us to treat the land and water with the respect we give our family. As a concept te mana o te wai signifies the respect we should give the water that gives us life.<\/p>\n\n In 2014 the Government of the time placed Te Mana o Te Wai within the National Policy Statement for Fresh Water. Te Mana o te Wai would be a consideration when authorities were deciding whether or not to allow developments to go ahead.<\/p>\n\n Te Mana o te Wai sets a simple order of priorities. It states that:<\/p>\n\n Te Mana o Te Wai is a world-leading policy because it prioritises the health of water in and of itself above all other uses of water. It also recognises people\u2019s connection to water.<\/p>\n\n The National Policy Statement sets out that in consultation with the communities and iwi, councils must set long-term visions, goals and values with timeframes for improving health of the defined water bodies. For example, ecosystem health is one of the five compulsory values, and drinking water supply is one of the nine other values.<\/p>\n\n Te Mana o Te Wai is a crucial part of the National Policy Statement to improve the health of water bodies for the generations to come. It\u2019s one of the only protections that exist in Aotearoa that could stop the pollution of water bodies, drinking water, and rivers at the source. <\/p>\n\n Now, in 2024 the Government is proposing to remove this protection, saying <\/strong>commercial entities no longer have to comply with Te Mana o Te Wai<\/a> while they review the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.<\/p>\n\n The Government wants to turn Te Mana o te Wai on its head – to favour economic uses above the life-supporting capacity of water.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udca7 When managing fresh water Te Mana o te Wai ensures the health and well-being of the water is protected.<\/strong> If the river is healthy, the wildlife, the threatened tuna (eels) and many native birds, will thrive.<\/p>\n\n Taking into account the needs of a river can also mean providing for a water body to express its natural form and character. This could be by moving within its bed or changing course.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udeb0 If the river is healthy then people are healthy. <\/strong>People who live near the river can swim and collect food. It means councils can source clean drinking water for the population.<\/p>\n\n We call the waterbody that drinking water is drawn from, such as a lake, river or aquifer, \u2018source water\u2019. Water sources are often underground and collect water over decades from many different water bodies.<\/p>\n\n \ud83d\udeb0\ud83d\udca7<\/strong> If the river is healthy and people are healthy then Te Mana o te Wai allows other uses, such as irrigation. <\/strong>These other uses also need to give benefit and create wellbeing, which may be economic. Commercial use must be sustainable and safeguard the life-supporting capacity of the water.<\/p>\n\n Te Mana o te Wai as a policy, aims to restore and preserve the balance between the water, the wider environment, and the community. This \u2018balance\u2019 isn\u2019t intended to signal a trade-off between Te Mana o te Wai and other goals. It emphasises that healthy fresh water is a prerequisite for a healthy wider environment and community.<\/p>\n\n Te Mana o Te Wai does not give final say, or assign decision-making over fresh water decisions to anyone; but it does say to include the community and mana whenua<\/a>, the people of that area, in decision-making. <\/p>\n\nTe Mana o te Wai in the regulations<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
\n
Te Mana o te Wai in practice<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n
<\/figure>\n\n<\/figure>\n\n
![\"Longfin](\"https:\/\/www.greenpeace.org\/static\/planet4-aotearoa-stateless\/2024\/05\/409c4ef5-longfin-philippe-gerbeaux-565.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n