Environment Court Decision Welcomed

The Environment Court has issued its long-awaited decision in relation to Waikato Regional Council’s Plan Change 1 (PC1), which represents the first stage in a comprehensive long-term strategy to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River.

The Court’s decision is welcomed by the iwi of Waikato. Te Arataura Chair Tukoroirangi Morgan says the Court’s decision is a timely reminder of the enduring importance of the Waikato River Settlement and the central role of Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato (the Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River) as the primary direction-setting instrument for the Waikato River and activities within its catchment.

Mr Morgan says, “The PC1 decision represents what can happen when all communities of the River – iwi, local authorities, farmers, foresters, electricity generators and other stakeholders – come together to work towards a common vision that advances the health and wellbeing of the waterways of our region, while also enabling sustainable economic growth and development and prosperous communities.”

“This decision flies in the face of the rhetoric of the present Government that has all too often sought to the portray the interests of Maaori and the health and wellbeing of our environment as impediments to economic growth and development.”

“The decision confirms that Te Ture Whaimana is not symbolic; it is the cornerstone of our River Settlement and has a real and enduring role in shaping collective, regionally-driven policy development and decision-making across the Waikato, and ensuring that the health and wellbeing of the River – on which our region depends – remains paramount”, says Mr Morgan.

“This outcome reinforces what our marae, hapuu and wider communities have consistently expressed; a steadfast commitment to seeing the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River restored and enhanced for current and future generations.”

“Importantly”, says Mr Morgan, “while there have of course been points of difference and compromise on all sides along the way, is has been heartening to see the genuine commitment of Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ, Beef and Lamb NZ, Horticulture NZ and others to working together with Waikato and the other iwi of the Waikato River, with the guidance of the Environment Court, in developing the objectives, policies and rules now reflected in PC1.”

“The Waikato River Settlement was intended to provide long-term certainty and a durable framework for restoring the health and wellbeing of the River and, in turn, ensuring the long-term prosperity of our region. The clean-up of the River has always been a shared intergenerational commitment, grounded in the vision and aspirations embedded within Te Ture Whaimana. That expectation remains unchanged”, says Mr Morgan.

“Te Ture Whaimana is absolutely foundational to our River Settlement and not something that this current Government can remove or undermine unilaterally or by stealth”, Mr Morgan. “Both our Treaty Settlements represent sacrosanct covenants between Waikato and the Crown. We expect those commitments to be expressly and actively honoured and upheld regardless of the Government of the day and irrespective of any legislative or policy reforms.  The present Government is on notice and we will not hesitate to take action to protect our rights and interests.”