Whakataukī
This whakataukī was written by the late Kukupa Tirikātene, Kāi Tahu kaumātua and noted language and tikanga expert. It was offered to the programme by Upoko Tewera King and can be used in hui and gatherings.
It speaks of strands woven together, just as the braids of the mighty Rakitata River weave together. So too our partnerships and strategy weave together as we work to revive the mauri of the river.
It provides guidance for how to move forward, by reminding us to look back to the river to see what still needs to be done.
Te whāriki kia mōhio ai tātou ki a tātou
E kore e taea e te whenu kotahi ki te raranga i te whāriki kia mōhio ai tātou ki a tātou.
Mā te mahi tahi o ngā whenu,
mā te mahi tahi o ngā kairaranga,
ka oti tēnei whāriki.
I te otinga me titiro tātou ki ngā mea pai ka puta mai a tana wā,
me titiro hoki ki ngā raranga i makere nā te mea, he kōrero anō kei reira.
The tapestry of understanding
The tapestry of understanding cannot be woven by one strand alone.
Only by the working together of strands, and the working together of weavers
will such a tapestry be completed.
When it is complete let us look at the good that comes from it and, in time
we should also look at those dropped stitches because, they also have a message.
Restoration vision, values and objectives
Vision
Together we value, protect and restore the mauri of the Rakitata ki uta ki tai, from source to sea.
Mauri is as essential element of the spiritual relationship of Kāi Tahu with the awa (river), embodying the physical and spiritual elements that make up the lifeforce of all things. All elements of the natural environment possess a life force, and all forms of life are connected.
Ki uta ki tai is a philosophy that reflects the Kāi Tahu view of environmental and resource management. It is a traditional concept that encompasses kaitiakitaka (guardianship) from the mountains and great inland lakes, down the rivers to hāpua (lagoons), wahapū (estuaries) and to the sea. Ki uta ki tai encapsulates the interconnectedness of the whole environment and the need for an integrated approach in managing the awa.
Values
These project values have been described and are held by the project partners. They honour the river and underpin this work.
- The mauri of the awa, ki uta ki tai: a whole-of-river approach. We acknowledge and value the living status of the awa and support an all-encompassing approach to protecting it.
- Whakapapa: lineage and connection. We respect the many ways people are connected to the Rakitata River.
- Rakatirataka: leadership and autonomy. The leadership of mana whenua is central to achieving our goals.
- Kaitiakitaka: intergenerational sustainability. We can all play a part in restoring the Rakitata River for future generations.
- Manaakitaka: healthy rivers, healthy people and communities. We respect and acknowledge the reciprocal relationship between people and the awa.
Objectives
The Rakitata catchment was once an area of incredible abundance. Mauri is an essential element of the spiritual relationship that Kāi Tahu have with the awa. The mauri of the awa has declined with losses in water quality and biodiversity from human-induced pressures including encroachment, land use change, water abstraction, climate change, invasive plants and animals, and pollution.
These objectives support the restoration vision:
- The whole braided river system is maintained: habitat loss and functionality are addressed.
- The traditional roles of kaitiakitaka and rangatirataka are restored to mana whenua.
- Mahika kai, taonga, threatened and native species are abundant.
- Culturally significant, critical or rare ecosystems are protected and enhanced.
- Land and water in the Rakitata catchment support indigenous biodiversity.
- Connections between awa, land and marine habitats are managed to support viable populations of the species that depend on them.
- The living status of the awa is respected.
- The community is enriched by the awa.
Restoration community
Te Rakitata, Kāi Tahu me Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua
The takiwā (territory) of Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua extends from the Rakaia River to the Waitaki River, inland to Ka Tiritiri-o-te-Moana, the Main Divide of the Southern Alps. The statutory acknowledgement of Te Rūnanga o Ngai Tahu to the Rangitata River by the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998, is recognition by the Crown of Ngāi Tahu’s cultural, spiritual, historical and traditional associations.
The river is a taonga of great cultural and spiritual significance to mana whenua, Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua and Kāi Tahu. The river was sometimes used by Kāi Tahu parties from Canterbury as part of a trail to Te Tai Poutini (the West Coast). The tūpuna had an intimate knowledge of navigation, river routes, safe harbours and landing places, and the locations of food and other resources on the river. The river was part of a network of trails which were used to ensure the safest journey with known locations along the way for camping overnight and gathering kai.
The Rakitata was an important mahinga kai for Canterbury Kāi Tahu. Mahinga kai is about living and connecting in this world. For Kāi Tahu, it is about thriving, about maintaining those things that sustain and nourish us, and that bring us wellbeing – clean water, clean air, clean soil and sufficient shelter. It includes access to clean and healthy kai, with consideration for future generations.
Mana whenua hold considerable knowledge of whakapapa, traditional trails and tauranga waka, places for gathering kai and other taonga, including ways in which to sustainably use the resources of the river by acknowledging the relationship of people with the river and their dependence on it, and tikanga for the proper use of resources.
This knowledge is maintained today by whānau and hapū and is regarded as a taonga. Some people are disconnected from the natural world and from the awa, so allowing them to express whakapapa back to the awa can both re-establish traditional connections and enhance the awa.
Agencies, groups and leadership
Agencies and organisations
Government agencies involved in Ko te whakahaumanu o te Rakitata Awa are Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai, Environment Canterbury Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha, Toitū te Whenua Land Information New Zealand, Central South Island Fish and Game, Timaru District Council Te Kaunihera ā-Rohe o Te Tihi Manu and Ashburton District Council.
Other local groups and organisations working in the catchment include NIWA, Braided River Aid (BRaid), Salmon Anglers Association, landowners, local farmers and major irrigation companies.
The Rakitata River is also part of Environment Canterbury’s Braided River revival programme. Some areas are Braided River Action Group (BRAG) pilot sites. BRAG seeks to manage and maintain the character of Canterbury’s braided rivers.
Steering and statutory obligations
In December 2019, a steering group was formed to oversee this project. Representatives came together in a non-statutory alliance that committed each agency to meet the vision statement for the river: improved cultural, environmental and social outcomes.
Working group
A working group was formed with representatives from mana whenua and each agency. Each stakeholder in the working group has a role in managing land use, landscape, water and biodiversity or in weed and pest control. These responsibilities often overlap. Working together will strengthen our ability to restore and protect the river, and enhance the health and wellbeing of our community now and for generations to come.
The working group does not make statutory decisions but seeks to align agencies and make informed comment to the governance group in matters of statutory interest to the vision. Statutory matters (like resource consents, plan changes and changes to lease agreements) continue through normal legislative processes.