Resource Management

Resource Management work continues to cover a large range of issues of tribal significance, with fresh water issues dominating in the areas of policy and consenting. The earlier part of the year included working with rūnanga to draft and present evidence for the New Zealand Coastal Policy Statement hearing, the Lower Waitaki River resource consents and the National Environmental Standard for Ecological Flows. The latter part of the year has seen an increase in the preparation of submissions generated by an increase in policy documents prepared by central government. The most significant of these are the raft of substantial changes to the Resource Management Act proposed by the new government and the draft National Policy Statements (NPS) that guide RMA implementation, including the NPS for Renewable Electricity Generation and the NPS for Freshwater Management. The focus has been to ensure that our established effectiveness in RMA processes is not diminished and to seek recognition for, and inclusion of, Ngāi Tahu values in the policy statements.

Te Rūnanga in partnership with Moeraki, Waihao and Arowhenua Rūnanga appealed the decision of Environment Canterbury to grant Meridian Energy Ltd resource consents to pursue further hydro generation activities in the Waitaki River. After reaching an agreement in principle with Meridian Energy Ltd, the appeal was withdrawn. Details of the mitigation agreement are yet to be finalised.

Ngāi Tahu Property, Te Rūnanga, Ngāi Tūāhuriri and Kaikōura Rūnanga made presentations to the Special Tribunal on the proposed Hurunui Water Conservation Order. This and the related Canterbury Strategic Water Study will be an ongoing area of work.

The Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) Committee members continue to provide guidance and support on assessing the cultural benefits, costs and risks of applications to import, develop or field test new organisms or to import or manufacture hazardous substances in New Zealand and ensure they comply with the Ngāi Tahu HSNO Policy (2008), launched at Taumutu in November. Applications responded to included release of vaccines for Equine Influenza, field test allium species and import of insects for bio-control testing and dromedary camels for a trekking venture were responded to.