Forest Values Project
In November 1999, Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu purchased and, in some cases, on-sold a number of forestry properties from the Deferred Selection Process pool. All forests (whether on-sold or otherwise) are subject to an encumbrance.
The encumbrance required Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to identify the non-commercial values (any features or areas within the forest lands which have historical, spiritual or cultural significance to Ngāi Tahu) associated with these properties and implement an appropriate means of protecting them. Protection was achieved through negotiation with forest owners and licensees.
An access protocol for Ngāi Tahu whānui to enter the forests is also being developed. It has similarities to both the nohoanga (campsites returned under the Settlement) and common forest access permit systems.