Eco-cultural restoration across multiple spatial scales: a New Zealand case study: Fid-Bau Portal

Eco-cultural restoration across multiple spatial scales: a New Zealand case study

Tipa, Gail / Nelson, Kyle

Abstract The Waitaki River remains of paramount importance to Ngai Tahu (a tribe with lands in the South Island of New Zealand). Parts of the Waitaki catchment are without sufficient rainfall to meet the needs of those living within these regions and sustain contemporary landuses and livelihoods. Communities are dependent upon streams, rivers, and groundwater for life giving moisture. Over the last hundred years the waters of the Waitaki Catchment are a resource that can be dammed, stored, diverted, directed and divided by physical structures. Ngai Tahu have, for generations, voiced their concerns at the continual development and degradation of the waterways within their tribal territory. However Ngai Tahu, as kaitiaki (guardians), are obligated to identify the effects of resource use and development on their cultural, beliefs, values and practices. Today Ngai Tahu engage in multiple forums to ensure that their presence across the landscape is restored and positive outcomes consistent with their aspirations are realised. This paper provides insights to the nature and extent of cultural connections with the Waitaki River, in particular their mahinga kai (utilisation of foods and materials) from the lands and waters of the Waitaki. We describe historic patterns of gathering activity before summarising the impact of European settlement in the mid nineteenth century. We conclude the paper by describing how eco-cultural revitalisation philosophies are helping shape Ngai Tahu endeavours to restore valued lands, waters and resources to a point where they once again sustain a range of cultural uses.