Tribe backs contamination charges to improve lake, court told

Ngāi Tahu is seeking to address contamination in Te Waihora/Lake Ellesmere by introducing contamination charges. Dr. Elizabeth Brown, Rangatira of Taumutu, highlighted the tribe’s aspirations for the lake, including generating revenue to address contamination and addressing legacy issues with funding from central and local government. The tribe is pushing for declarations recognizing their authority over freshwater in their territory. Te Waihora is heavily polluted due to mismanagement, reduced water levels, and farming practices. Despite regaining the lake bed through a Treaty Settlement, Ngāi Tahu’s role in decision-making is limited. Co-governance arrangements with ECan and DoC often prioritize other interests over Ngāi Tahu’s concerns. The tribe is advocating for contamination charges, climate change adaptation support, and legislation to reset water allocation. The court case aims to assert Ngāi Tahu’s rights over freshwater resources.

Full Article