The Kaituna River Document’s purpose is to promote the restoration, protection and enhancement of the well-being of the Kaituna River and its tributaries. The document will guide local government, iwi and the wider community in their work together to protect and preserve the awa. The document represents a culmination of input from the Kaituna community.
The Kaituna River Document sets out an iwi and community vision, objectives and desired outcomes for the Kaituna River and its tributaries and the document will influence councils’ planning documents and local government decisions relevant to the awa (river).
The document's launch completes an historic full circle of the Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014 through which the Crown acknowledged that the waterways which Tapuika live beside and cherish (the Kaituna River) had been degraded.
Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority is now focused now on implementing and monitoring the effectiveness of the document with an emphasis on supporting integrated and collaborative management of the Kaituna River.
Document design
The Kaituna River Document logo represents the different parts of the Kaituna River which include Te Waipuna – the source or headwaters, Ngā Wai Hōhonu – the water depths, Ngā Tahatika – the riverbanks, and Te Kōngutu Awa – the river mouth.
As your eye moves down the logo you will see the river, forming at the edge of Lake Rotoiti and its progression down through the Kaituna catchment showing its many tributaries to the Māketu estuary and the place where the river meets the sea. This is further reflected in the river analogy used to structure the information within the document.
The symbolism denotes that each part of the Kaituna has unique characteristics yet all are integral to its personality.
Te Maru o Kaituna wanted to ensure that the document would be relevant, clear in its purpose while at the same time set goals to ensure that the Kaituna River would be protected for future generations. Above all, it represents a conscience, one that speaks on behalf of the river and its people to remind us that this water body and its tributaries are indeed "he taonga tuku iho – a treasure handed down to us".
Kaituna River Document implementation
Many people and organisations are investing a significant amount of time, effort and money over the coming 10 years to help care for the land, water and wildlife in the Kaituna catchment and Maketū Estuary.
Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority will implement the Kaituna River Document by working with local authorities and Crown agencies that exercise functions in relation to the river, and facilitating the participation of iwi in river management.
The Authority is developing an Action Plan to outline and prioritise the collective actions of local government, iwi, hapū and the wider community to restore, enhance and protect the Kaituna.
Get involved
If you would like to be involved or understand more about the Action Plan or the Kaituna River Document, please email info@kaituna.org.nz or call Anaru Vercoe or Jo Watts on 0800 884 880.
