Te Kōtuku Raumati 2023 by Tuwharetoa Maori Trust Board

Te Kōtuku

Raumati 2023

Given this, it is important that the Trust Board maintains a relationship with these agencies, hence the commitments through different arrangements and mechanisms.

Over the limit

Taupō Moana and Waikato Awa rise to new heights

Nodoubt this has been the wettest summer in a long time. On average our Tūwharetoa Rohe gets 1100mm of rain a year. In 2022, some 1747mm of rain came down.

Heavy rain and high water levels brought on flooding concerns and erosion issues, particularly in Te Maataapuna. Another flow-on effect is that in December 2022 the Waikato Awa reached its highest levels in recorded history since 1908. This has caused significant challenges for those agencies such as Waikato Regional Council (WRC) and Mercury Energy who are responsible for ensuring the lake stays within its consented lake level range. Taupō Moana has only one outlet, the control gates bridge, which is administered and operated by Mercury. The WRC issues the resource consent for Mercury to operate the control gates.

Throughout December and January, Mercury had the control gates open to manage the lake levels. All river outflow is measured in cubic metres per second (cumecs), and 300+ cumecs of water were being released downstream at the time.

However, the heavy rain across the country meant Waikato Awa had risen downstream in Te Arawa, Ngāti Raukawa and Waikato-Tainui rohe too. Water from Taupō Moana and the tributaries connected further up the Waikato, along with rain from Ranginui, compounded the situation.

Working with local agencies

The Trust Board is the legal owner of the title for Taupō Waters which is Taupō Moana, its tributaries and the Waikato Awa up to Te Toka a Tia. The title is held in the Trust Board on behalf of all Ngāti Tūwharetoa descendants. However many of the management functions continue to be performed by Government authorities.

For example, the authority to manage boating and navigational safety on Taupō Moana and the upper Waikato Awa sits with the Taupō Harbourmaster. Resource Consenting and monitoring of consents is carried out by WRC and public reserves are managed by either Taupō District Council (TDC) or the Department of Conservation.

On 31 January 2023, continued rain meant significant flooding not only in our rohe but even more so in the lower Waikato awa. Sadly three Marae at Te Puaha o Waikato (the Waikato Delta at Port Waikato) were flooded as additional inflows below Karāpiro can not be controlled as the hydro scheme ends at that point.

During significant flooding the management of the catchment becomes the responsibility of the WRC. In order to lessen the damage and potential risk to life to those along the Waikato Awa, WRC allowed Taupō Moana to rise above 357.25 metres above sea level (masl), which is the maximum control level under the resource consent issued for Mercury to operate the control gates bridge. The consent granted to Mercury allows for the lake levels to go above this height during certain flooding events as it has occurred several times in recorded history.

WRC then implemented their flood management plan with Mercury to reduce the lake levels as quickly as possible without putting the rest of the river communities at risk.

At the time of publication, Taupō Moana is back below the maximum control level, and water is flowing downstream at a safe rate.

The Trust Board continues to meet and work with the various stakeholders and agencies to raise the concerns and issues that are important and need to be recognised. This includes lake level management, erosion issues and the impacts on our shoreline settlements.

MĀ TE

IWI, NĀ TE IWI

Issue 21

Lake Taupō and Lake Rotoaira forests safety assessments in progress

While Cyclone Gabrielle passed over the majority of our homes and towns, our ngahere took some damage. Trees were blown over and broken, causing roads across the region to be closed and power to go out.

Restrictions remain in place for the Napier-Taupō Highway (SH5), which is open during daytime hours only, from 7am-7pm.

Among the broken and windfallen trees were rākau planted on Lake Taupō and Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust plantations. The damage caused to the forests means a major cleanup and recovery operation needs to take place.

The first step taken by the forest trusts was to close off public access to the plantations so that safety assessments can be made. Once the assessments

are complete, the forest trusts can then proceed with cleanup operations.

NZ Forest Managers is the company contracted by the forest trusts to operate their plantations. They are in charge of the assessment and cleanup. NZ Forest Managers General Manager, John Hura said:

“We are still in the assessment phase of ascertaining the extent of the damage. We are using a combination of fixed-wing and helicopter flights, satellite imagery, drones and onground inspections.

“We expect to have a clearer picture of the nature and extent of the damage in the coming days and weeks. This enables us to develop an operational response plan, working in conjunction with our clients.”

“We know there will be major salvaging operations in many forests to

uplift wind-thrown stems and are well on the way to re-opening main access roads to facilitate this work.”

They’re also working with their neighbouring landowners/residents, power companies, and Government agencies to get infrastructure back to normal as soon as possible.

If you have any pātai, you can contact Lake Taupō Forest Trust at 07-386 8839 or Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust at 07-386-8834

Or you can contact them via their Facebook Pages or their websites www.ltft.co.nz (Lake Taupō Forest Trust) and www.lrft.co.nz. (Lake Rotoaira Forest Trust).

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APPLY NOW Leadership Sports Projects Get funded for: Ngāti Tūwharetoa Mercury Development Group

 NZ Forest Managers

Commercial Operators

The first stage of licensing commercial operators working on Taupō-nui-a-Tia continues to progress.

These are primarily fishing and scenic boat operators, kayak operators and hire equipment such as jet skis, stand-up-paddle boards and operators fixed to the lake bed. This also includes those operating on the Waikato Awa. The Taupō Hole in One Challenge, which is 100% Tūwharetoa owned is licensed as well.

The next part of stage one is to engage with fly-fishing guides who work the tributaries, which are the rivers and streams that flow into Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Fly-fishing guides, should they wish to continue to operate their businesses, need to have a commercial licence.

Events, Filming and Photography

Another important part of our licensing programme is issuing permissions to event promoters/ operators, film-makers, photographers and vloggers (video bloggers). Drone operators are included in this as well.

As Taupō-nui-a-Tia is the venue for many sporting, power-boat, sailing events and fishing competitions, they too need to seek approval.

Protocols for Licence Holders

The Trust Board has Cultural, Taiao and Events, Filming and Photography Protocols that must be adhered to.

The Cultural Protocols include the requirement to observe rāhui, to keep away from wāhi tapu such as Motutāiko, as well as staying away from urupā and pā/marae which adjoin the shores of Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Activities such as scattering human ashes and releasing foreign matter into, onto and over our waters are strictly prohibited.

The Taiao Protocols define how licence holders should treat the taiao when they operate on our waters. Licence Holders cannot under any circumstances dump rubbish,

24 commercial operators issued licenses to do business on Taupō-nui-a-Tia

fuel, chemicals or any other para (pollutants or rubbish) into the wai. There are other standards which are included in these extensive protocols. Protecting the tapu and mauri of the taiao, while keeping our rohe free from pollutants are important reasons for these protocols. About commercial licensing Taupō-nui-a-Tia was returned to Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board on behalf and for the benefit of Ngāti Tūwharetoa in 1992. In 1999, the titles to the beds of several rivers and streams flowing into Taupō-nui-a-Tia were transferred from the Crown to the Trust Board.

In 2007, the 1992 deed was enhanced. This new deed reaffirmed the Trust Board has the full ownership rights of Taupō-nui-a-Tia, Waikato Awa up to Te Toka a Tia and its tributaries that were returned to the iwi in 1999. These waters are collectively called ‘Taupō Waters’.

Some local businesses disputed the Trust Boards right to issue and charge for licenses to operate on Taupō Waters. The Trust Board applied to the High Court in 2017 for a Declaratory Judgement to clarify our property rights.

In 2021, the High Court issued their judgement, reaffirming the Trust Boards property rights, which include the right to issue licences to businesses operating on Taupō Waters, and the right to charge for them. This is the legal basis upon which we issue licences to businesses.

The licencing scheme does not apply to the general public or anyone who wants to enjoy our wai. As per our Trust Deed, Taupō Waters will always be open to the public for all ‘non-exclusive, non-commercial recreational use and enjoyment’.

3 Issue 21 Te Kōtuku

APPLY NOW Events Taiao Education Health Get funded for Ngāti Tūwharetoa Genesis Energy Committee

Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust hosts 2022 Wai Māori Trust conference

Aftera three-year Covid-19induced hiatus, Te Wai Māori Trust convened its annual conference in Taupō-nui-a-Tia. Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust co-hosted the conference, bringing the nation’s leading freshwater experts and advocates together to discuss wai Māori, the most important resource in Aotearoa.

Keynote speakers included Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board CEO Rakeipoho Taiaroa, Ngā Kaihautū o te Awa o Waikato Chair Ruby Pitiroi and Kaupapa Māori Environmental Planner Tina Porou.

Rakei Taiaroa gave a presentation on the history of the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and its role as a kaitiaki of Aotearoa’s largest puna wai Māori, namely Taupō Moana, and its tributaries.

Ruby Pitiroi recounted the tragic day Te Tāheke Hukahuka (Huka Falls) turned brown. The hapū with the support of the Trust Board completed a Cultural Impact Assessment and gathered evidence for the subsequent prosecution of Contact Energy Limited.

Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust General Manager

Danny Loughlin said Tūwharetoa played an important role in the formation of Te Wai Māori Trust which was reflected in Rakei Taiaroa’s presentation.

Attendees expressed their concerns about new water laws, in particular the potential effects of the new Three Waters legislation on Te Mana o te Wai. They also felt optimistic about Te Mana o te Wai and the possible benefits it could bring to Māori and the nation as a whole.

The conference convened on 31 August and concluded on 2 September.

About Te Wai Māori and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust

Te Wai Māori Trust is a statutory body and a product of the Māori Fisheries Act 2004. Ngāti Tūwharetoa contribution to Te Wai Māori came from the work of our iwi leadership to protect our freshwater interests. The subsequent negotiations alongside Te Arawa waka meant in 2002, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Marine Fisheries Committee (now Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that laid the foundation for the establishment of Te Wai Māori Trust.

About Te Mana o te Wai

Te Mana o te Wai is a legal framework introduced by the Government in 2020. It has two sets of underlying values, which recognise the mana and mauri of wai Māori. It provides a way for Māori and the Crown to work together to protect wai Māori and ensure its life supporting capacity.

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Kōtuku

Ruby Pitiroi Rakeipoho Taiaroa

Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa continues to progress

Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership has completed its due diligence and chosen its preferred contractor to build Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa, the new Taupō District Council headquarters. They will take primary responsibility for constructing Te Whare Hono and preparing it for future occupation.

Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa will be a ‘blue chip’ investment that will ensure we have the resources to provide benefits to our future generations. It is also an opportunity to build a true partnership between Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūwharetoa entities.

This is one of several milestones the partnership has reached so far.

We announced in December 2021 Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership was selected by Taupō District Council to construct their new building. In May 2022 we announced that both Taupō District Council and the partnership agreed to the commercial terms that would allow the project to proceed.

Upon completion, the whare will be occupied by Taupō District Council, Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust and the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust.

What is Te Whare Hono

ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership?

Five Tūwharetoa entities came together to build the new Taupō District Council premises. They are Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Limited (the commercial arm of Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust), Tupu Angitu Limited (the commercial arm of Lake Taupō Forest Trust), Te Pae o Waimihia Trust and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust.

Together, they operate as Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa Limited Partnership.

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Te Whare Hono ō Tūwharetoa will be built here on 67 Horomātangi Street, Taupō.

2023 Grants & Scholarships: what uri need to know

The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust and the Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust remain strongly committed to supporting the learning and educational achievements of our people. We value education as a critical tool in our ongoing tribal development. Our education grants and scholarships provide support to our whānau to unlock their individual potential and grow our leaders of tomorrow. Education Grant applications opened on 1 February 2023 and close 31 March 2023. This is part of an ongoing campaign to ensure our whānau have exactly what they need to apply and receive the grants and scholarships they are entitled to.

Applying for an education grant

Please take the time to read the information carefully and provide all the required information.

The three trusts work together to fund and deliver grants for Early Childhood or Kōhanga Reo, Secondary NCEA, Tertiary, Special Needs, and Trade Training. You must be registered with one of these trusts to be eligible for an education grant.

The amount will be determined in May once all applications are received and processed.

To apply for these grants please visit our website

- www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/education

Applying for a scholarship

The three trusts work together to fund and deliver a variety of scholarships for registered uri in tertiary education.

The first offering is the Tūwharetoa Settlement Trust STEM Scholarship. This scholarship recognises the academic excellence of tertiary students enrolled in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics studies. STEM students registered with the Settlement Trust can apply.

For more information or to apply please visit this website link

- www.tst.maori.nz/grants

Grant

The second is the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Ngāti Tūwharetoa Fisheries Charitable Trust scholarship. This scholarship recognises the academic excellence of students enrolled in year 2+ of their tertiary study. These are for anyone registered with the Trust Board or the Fisheries Charitable Trust.

For more information or to apply please visit this website link

- www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/education/ tertiary/

Amount

Early Childhood or Kōhanga TBC in May 2023

Secondary School

TBC in May 2023

Tertiary TBC in May 2023

Special Needs

Trade Training

TBC in May 2023

$1,000.00

Save time and apply online. Applications close 31 March 2023.

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Tūwharetoa

Apply online to save time – Applications close 31 March.

Tūwharetoa

Apply online to save time – Applications close 31 March.

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Scholarships

Tūwharetoa

Education Grants

SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR GRANT INFORMATION. SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR STEM SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION. SCAN THIS QR CODE FOR SCHOLARSHIP INFORMATION.

Settlement

Trust STEM Scholarships

Empowering whānau Māori to achieve their housing goals

For many whānau Māori, owning a home is not just a financial goal, but a cultural and spiritual one. However, navigating the complex world of finance and homeownership can be challenging, especially for those who are just starting out.

That’s why the He Iwi Kāinga team has partnered with Te Puni Kokiri and Te Ara Ahunga Ora (Retirement Commission) to run an 8-week Sorted Kāinga Ora Programme in Taupō

and Tūrangi. Developed by Māori, delivered by Māori, and evaluated by Māori, the programme provides whānau Māori with the tools and knowledge they need to build financial capability and achieve their housing aspirations. The programme is tailored specifically to the needs of whānau Māori and is designed to be accessible and easy to understand.

Participants in the programme learn about a range of topics, including:

Pathways to Housing

Where to start and what it all means

Saving Smart

Savings & Investing, Kiwisaver and HomeStart Grants

Spending Beliefs

What influences our spending habits, our attitudes and beliefs

Understanding your Debts

Ways to reduce your debt footprint

Money Plans & Systems

Using a budget as a tool to achieve your goals

Planning for the Unexpected Insurance, Wills, Power of Attorney and Trusts

Money Motivations

Setting goals and finding what motivates you

Your Aspirations

Making a plan and putting into action.

With the support and guidance of our team, you can take the first step towards building a brighter financial future.

According to one participant, “We are grateful for this opportunity, the course is going to help us, our children, and parents. Finances has never been easy to talk about. But here it’s really great cause we are learning with our own and it is such a welcoming environment for us.”

If you’re interested in chasing your housing dreams, register for the programme today using QR code below.

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