Abstract
Iwi and hapū have long and deep relationships with the freshwater, rivers, streams and lakes that are integral to the ecology of their whenua (land) and rohe (region). But as the role of freshwater use for commercial purposes comes into focus, the recognition of iwi and hapū rights and interests have too. Tina Porou – the Head of Sustainability at Contact Energy – will speak about the policy questions that strike at the centre of the Crown-Māori relationship, major decisions for the economy and the environment, settlements under the Treaty of Waitangi to date, as well as how we holistically value water. This presentation and the subsequent discussion will cover important questions about possible inequalities arising from potential recognition of rights in freshwater between South Island and North Island iwi. It will delve into reconciling the technical and measurable approach often favoured by Pākehā with the holistic approach favoured by Māori that recognises te mana o te wai – the mana of the water.
This Treasury Guest Lecture has been organised in tandem with the E Tipu E Rea series that brings expert Māori perspectives to the work happening at the Treasury.
About Tina Porou
Tina Porou ONZM, whose whakapapa comes from the East Coast and Gisborne, is the Head of Sustainability at Contact Energy. She has a masters degree in geography and has held a range of management roles protecting national taonga such as Waiapu River, Tongariro River and Lake Taupō. Tina was instrumental in creating the only two joint management agreements between local councils and iwi, with Ngāti Porou and Ngāti Tūwharetoa. She has held a number of governance roles, including with the Lake Taupō Forest Trust and Toitu Ngāti Porou, has spoken at the United Nations on sustainable forestry options, and attended the COP21 conference in Paris on behalf of the Iwi Leaders Group on Climate.
Note: Papers, presentation slides and any other material provided by the Guest Lecturer will be made available some time after the lecture at Publications > Media & Speeches > Guest Lectures by Visiting Academics.