This engagement by Te Kōpuka is closed. You can learn more about it here.
In 2017, Parliament passed Te Awa Tupua (Whanganui River Claims Settlement) Act 2017. This was the first piece of legislation in the world to give a waterway - in this case, Te Awa Tupua (the Whanganui River and all its tributaries) - the same legal status, rights and responsibilities of a legal person.
Te Heke Ngahuru ki Te Awa Tupua (Te Heke Ngahuru) is the long-term strategy which sets the direction for activities in the Whanganui River catchment. It identifies the issues relevant to the health and well-being of Te Awa Tupua, provides a strategy to deal with those issues, and recommends actions to deal with those issues. Te Heke Ngahuru has been described as a reform of the way resource management is practiced in Te Awa Tupua. Horizons Regional Council must have particular regard to Te Heke Ngahuru when carrying out functions relating to the Whanganui River, and through the Oranga Wai plan change.
You can read Te Heke Ngahuru by clicking here, while a discussion document is available here.
Te Heke Ngahuru was released by Te Kōpuka nā Te Awa Tupua (Te Kōpuka) - the Te Awa Tupua strategy group. Te Kōpuka is comprised of representatives of persons and organisations with interests in the Whanganui River, including local and central government leaders, environmental advocates, primary industry and tourism representatives, recreational users, and iwi from across the Whanganui River catchment. The purpose of Te Kōpuka is to act collaboratively to advance the environmental, social, cultural and economic health and wellbeing of Te Awa Tupua.
Te Kōpuka is sought submissions on Te Heke Ngahuru. Submissions were able to be made via its website until 31 March 2024, with a final strategy report published at a later date. A series of public meetings were held throughout the catchment during the submission period.
