This section address issues of particular significance in the
Waipara and Kōwai river catchments (Map 8).
The Waipara, named with reference to a fish caught in the
river, is a rain fed river flowing from the eastern foothills of
Ngā Tiritiri o Te Moana to the Waipara lagoon. The Kōwai,
named after the native tree Sophora microphylla, drains
a small catchment west of Amberley. Both rivers flow into
coastal lagoons and meet alongside Amberley Beach. They
are considered together in this IMP due to the immense
significance of the coastal area between them as one large
mahinga kai resource. For tāngata whenua, the current state of cultural health of the Waipara and Kōwai catchments is evidence that water management and governance in the region has failed to
have particular regard for kaitiakitanga, and to recognise
and provide for the relationship of Ngāi Tahu with these
waterways as a matter of national importance. Surface and
groundwater resources are over-allocated (Issue WK2) and
water quality is degraded as a result of inappropriate rural
land use (Issue WK3). This has significant adverse effects on
Ngāi Tahu values and interests, particularly mauri, natural
character, mahinga kai, indigenous biodiversity and the hāpua where the Waipara and Kōwai rivers meet the sea.
Ngā Paetae Objectives
- The mauri and mahinga kai values of the Waipara
and Kōwai rivers, and their tributaries, wetlands and
hāpua are protected and restored, mō tātou, ā, mō
kā uri ā muri ake nei. - Immediate and effective measures are implemented
to address over-allocation of freshwater resources in
the Waipara catchment. - 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. - Land use in the catchments reflects land capability
and water limits, boundaries and availability. - Ngāi Tahu cultural landscapes values associated
with the Waipara and Kōwai rivers are protected and
enhanced.