ABOUT THE PROJECT

Living Water has adopted a long term approach aimed at building strong relationships with mana whenua. Early engagement with mana whenua identified the loss of mana caused by a much reduced ability to exercise Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship) over their natural resources. Participation in the restoration of indigenous biodiversity in their rohe is one pathway to restoring Kaitiakitanga. 

We are helping to build mana whenua capacity and capability to restore Kaitiakitanga, and we are creating opportunities to weave Mātauranga Māori into Living Water project design and delivery.

Benefits

• Genuine and strong relationships with mana whenua will enable knowledge sharing
• Cultural and natural heritage protection

Progress

He ika kai ake i raro, he Rāpaki ake i raro is a whakataukī or proverb that uses the analogy of where a fish begins its meal is the same as where we begin to climb a hill. It illustrates that any journey begins with a first step. 

We have started this journey in each of the five Living Water catchments. We have also developed a Maori engagement strategy and relationship building principles for our teams and our work. These include:

• We focus on collaborative partnerships with Māori to expand knowledge, take a long-term view and grow the scale and impact of our work
• We engage at the appropriate level to match decision-making and Kaitiaki mandates and responsibilities
• We invest in building capability and capacity to assist Māori to exercise Kaitiakitanga in Living Water catchments
• We ensure iwi/hapu co-design solutions for their catchments and that Mātauranga Māori is incorporated in project design and implementation
• We adopt a Living Water Kawa or set of engagement principles and grow staff capability in Te Reo and Tikanga