By Kara Puketapu-Dentice, Chief Executive, Taranaki Whānui ki te Upoko o Te Ika

Why elevating Māori from participants to leaders in the water industry benefits the sector and the local economy.

Whakapapa (genealogy) connections tie tangata whenua to the natural environment in a meaningful and real way. In the water space, tangata whenua think of the river as an ancestor. The river is a central part of our whānau – ‘Ko au te awa, ko te awa ko au. I am the river and the river is me’.

When we introduce ourselves as Māori, we begin with an acknowledgement of our mountain, followed by our river. The awa and, in particular, our awa of Waiwhetū and Te Awa Kairangi are a key part of my identity.

When you begin from that foundation, the way you respect and treat water comes with a heightened sense of responsibility. Tangata whenua are kaitiaki of the taiao – the natural and responsible stewards of the environment. It’s part of who we are, from our creation story, beginning with the Earth and sky.

Why does this matter?

Tangata whenua have an inherent need, desire, and right to be part of any conversation and decision that is made about the things that we treasure. The things that are taonga to us. Water is a taonga – an ancestor. It is essential that tangata whenua are a key part of any development relating to water. It’s the best way to work towards intergenerational solutions. It just makes sense for iwi to be deeply involved.

Elevating Māori benefits the sector and local economy

In a world demanding sustainability and resilience, the fusion of Māori knowledge with modern technology and methodologies for development paves the way forward, particularly in water infrastructure. This realm, where Māori capability, technology and innovation converge, offers transformative solutions. This journey, while fraught with challenges, is ripe with opportunities for community empowerment, engagement in a real and meaningful way, growth, and commercial success.

The vision is unequivocal: to harness mana whenua insights and innovation in addressing Aotearoa New Zealand’s water infrastructure challenges. Elevating Māori from participants to leaders in the water industry is crucial. Tailored training and education programs for our youth are pivotal, equipping them with necessary skills for this sector’s demands.

Taranaki Whānui exemplifies the significant role that tangata whenua can play in addressing these challenges. By focusing on local employment, these projects directly benefit communities, addressing unemployment and promoting economic equity. Such an approach ensures projects proceed with a profound respect for land and waterways, embedding economic potency for iwi and iwi members, and ensuring sustainable investments for future generations.

Balancing act needed in challenging environment

Despite optimism, the wider political, funding and regulatory environment is challenging. We need to work on a regulatory framework that supports growth and infrastructure development, while also protecting the environment. Sustainability and wider social benefits, such as local community growth and employment, must be prioritised. It’s a careful balancing act.

Despite water sector stakeholders’ general desire to work closely with mana whenua, evidence of genuine partnership, as enshrined in te tiriti, is hard to find. While there are some green shoots and an opening up of intent, tangata whenua involvement often remains limited to engagement on detailed matters after key decisions have been made. Too often, project delivery teams see Māori engagement as a risk to the delivery of their project – something to be managed – and, as a result, the opportunities that I have presented are ignored.

Building te ao Māori capability is a key enabler

While there are many reasons for this, we cannot ignore the contribution of practitioners limited understanding and ability to work within te ao Māori. While upskilling is occurring in local government organisations, it is usually optional. There are no clear pathways to career improvement or reward for non-Māori by improving their ability to authentically partner with tangata whenua. 

I see a real opportunity for leadership to make an impact, and require training, recognition, and reward for those working to improve their cultural competencies. Optional training will not be sufficient if the vision for our shared prosperous and healthy future is to be realised. Supporting and building effective teams with high levels of capability will be essential for working together in the future. Tangata whenua are gearing up and are ready; our partners need to be, as well.

Perhaps more importantly, the failure to effectively work with iwi-Māori is structural. In some ways, the progress brought about by the development of the Resource Management Act (RMA) in the 1990s is now holding the growth of tangata whenua participation in infrastructure delivery back. The position that Māori are given within the process is after key decisions around outcomes and funding has been made. Even where we have been able to make inroads, often hard-fought, the result will relate to specific items at a specific time and place, failing to understand the holistic, intergenerational, and integrated approach of te ao Māori. Sadly, tangata whenua are often given ongoing positions of high administration, but low impact and authority, so they are, again, unable to contribute to the fullest extent.

Water sector certainty urgently needed

The failure of water and RMA reforms have locked us into the status quo of working, at least in the short term. This makes it even more essential that our partners recognise and address the gap between our shared aspirations, and the existing structural and organisational realities.

Active tangata whenua involvement from project inception through construction ensures designs respect our taiao, achieving a harmonious balance between development and kaitiakitanga. Ensuring a ready workforce for these projects further underscores the need for certainty in three waters infrastructure delivery, with tangata whenua playing a pivotal role.

Let’s take a lead in global sustainability

The water sector harbours untapped opportunities, particularly in integrating kaitiakitanga as a critical value, offering sustainable solutions to water management challenges. Moreover, Māori-led green infrastructure and technological innovations not only address immediate needs, but also position New Zealand as a leader in sustainable practices globally.

Furthermore, leveraging water infrastructure projects for broader socio-economic development within Māori communities can amplify benefits, fostering community wellbeing and resilience – this is critical and must be a priority and principal determinant of success for all projects.

The envisioned future positions Māori capability, technology, and innovation at the forefront of New Zealand’s water infrastructure development. This future, essential for the sustainability and resilience of our iwi and wider community, is within reach. Overcoming challenges will pave the way for growth, empowerment and success.

The collaborative efforts of Taranaki Whānui and water sector stakeholders are crucial for realising this vision. By valuing innovation, respecting traditional knowledge, and focusing on long-term community benefits, New Zealand is set to lead in sustainable water infrastructure development. This journey transcends mere infrastructure development; it’s about empowering communities, preserving our environment, and crafting a future that bridges our rich legacy with the boundless possibilities ahead.