Toitu Te Whenua
Is focused on rights protection, environmental planning, settlement implementation and political influence.
- For Ngāi Tahu culture to survive the environment of Te Waipounamu must be managed in a sustainable manner.
- The Ngāi Tahu settlement is ultimately derived from rights that pre-existed colonial law and the protection of these. Modern settlement rights are critical to Ngāi Tahu self determination.
- For Ngāi Tahu rights and self determination to be protected then we must be able to influence policy and political thinking in New Zealand.
Environmental
Ngāi Tahu's relationship with the natural environment is fundamental to its culture and identity. Survival in the harsh Te Waipounamu climate demanded the wise use of all available resources-processing and preserving these for times of need. Whānau travelled the landscape to search for these on an annual basis and in the process helped weave together the social structure of the iwi through alliances and inter-marriage. As a result Ngāi Tahu's relationship with its natural resources was at the heart of Te Kēreme. The pursuit of customary use rights inevitably includes asserting the ongoing right to protect and use resources for current and future generations. Post-settlement, the maintenance of these dudal rights of protection and use is a key reason for the existence of Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu. the bond between Ngāi Tahu and the environment of Te Waipounamu, and the relationships that spring from it are future contributors to enduring economic and social success fro Ngāi Tahu. Underpinning all of this is the recognition of our inherent role and responsibility as kaitiaki.