This section addresses issues of particular significance from the Rakaia River to the Hakatere River (Map 24). The section covers all of the Rakaia catchment, and the land between the Rakaia and the Hakatere rivers. The Hakatere is the southern boundary of the takiwā covered by this IMP.
A Statutory Acknowledgement and Deed of Recognition under the NTCSA 1998 formally acknowledge the associations of Ngāi Tahu with the Hakatere, particularly with regard to mahinga kai. The name of the river was officially amended to a dual place name under the Act , serving as a tangible reminder of Ngāi Tahu history in Te Waipounamu.
The Rakaia is one of the major braided rivers of the takiwā. Throughout its course from the mountains to the sea, the Rakaia exhibits a diversity of character, reflected in the different landscapes through which the river flows. For Ngāi Tahu, the variable character of the river is essential to its cultural value, and is reflective of its life force.
The majority of the Rakaia River catchment is upstream of the Rakaia Gorge, and therefore the protection of high country values is an important kaupapa in this section. Over-allocation of groundwater resources and contamination of both surface and groundwater are also significant issues, as the plains and coastal region between the Rakaia and Hakatere rivers is dominated by intensive land use.
Ngā Paetae Objectives
(1) The mauri and mahinga kai values of the Hakatere and Rakaia Rivers and their tributaries, lakes and wetlands and hāpua are protected and restored, mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
(2) Management of the Rakaia River, including the Rakaia Water Conservation Order (RWCO), recognises and provides for outstanding cultural characteristics of the catchment and therefore improved protection for this ancestral river.
(3) Immediate and effective measures are implemented to address over-allocation of freshwater resources in the region from the Rakaia to the Hakatere River.
(4) Groundwater and surface water quality in the catchments is restored to a level suitable to provide a safe, reliable and untreated drinking water supply and enable cultural, customary and recreational use.
(5) Land use in the catchments reflects land capability and water limits, boundaries and availability.
(6) Ngāi Tahu cultural landscapes and cultural landscape values associated are protected and enhanced.