Guardianship over Ngāti Whātua land, air and sea
Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiakitanga refers to the ethical practice of protecting and preserving the natural environment and the resources that sustain our people. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has a responsibility to care for the lands and waters to which we whakapapa: ‘Hua’ - land-based activities and ‘Tai’ - marine-based activities.
Dome Valley Landfill (Wayby)
HUA: Since 2019, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua have strongly opposed the development given the devastating environmental impacts and significant ongoing risks to the sustainability and mauri of the Hoteo River, Kaipara moana and the broader environment.
In July 2024, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua appealed the Environment Court's interim decision to grant conditional consent to Waste Management’s landfill project, aka Dome Valley landfill.
Judge Christian Whata presided over the hearings with appelants including Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whatua, Ngāti Whātua Ōrakei & Te Uri o Hau Environs Holdings, challenging several errors in law from the decision. Justice Christian Whata reserved his decision citing the importance and complexity of the case. In November, he indicated a decision would be made before Christmas 2024.
Te Topū Ika o Ngāti Whātua
TAI: In 2006, the Rūnanga established Te Topū Ika o Ngāti Whātua to receive fishing and aquaculture assets under the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement Act, and Aquaculture Settlement Act. Ngāti Whātua Fisheries, a subsidiary of the Rūnanga, manages these combined assets.