This section addresses issues of particular significance in
the Whakaraupō (Lyttelton Harbour) catchment (Map 15).
Whakaraupō has a rich history of Ngāi Tahu land use and occupancy, and strong tradition of mahinga kai. The harbour was named after the raupō reeds that were once plentiful at Ōhinetahi at the head of the harbour. Kaimoana such as pipi, tuaki, kutai, pāua, tio, kina and pūpū, and ika such as pātiki, pātiki rori, pīoki, hoka, aua, pāpaki, koiro and hokarari provided an abundant and reliable supply of mahinga kai for tāngata whenua and their manuhiri. The restoration of kaimoana values to the Whakaraupō is a key kaupapa for the kaitiaki Rūnanga in this catchment.
Whakaraupō is part of Te Tai o Mahaanui (SelwynBanks Peninsula Coastal Marine Area) Coastal Statutory Acknowledgement Area), as per schedule 101 of the TSCA 1998 (see Appendix 7).
Tāngata whenua know the Harbour very well. Many generations of whānau knowledge provide a base upon which the present residents exercise their kaitiakitanga in both traditional and contemporary ways.
Ngā Paetae Objectives
(1) Restoration of the cultural health of Whakaraupō, including elimination of wastewater discharges, reducing sedimentation and achieving a water quality standard consistent with the Harbour as mahinga kai.
(2) The wāhi taonga status of the catchment’s waterways and waipuna is recognised and provided for.
(3) Natural and cultural landscape values associated with the Whakaraupō catchment are enhanced through restoration of indigenous biodiversity values.
(4) Tāngata whenua continue to contribute to, and influence, community issues and projects within the
catchment.
(5) Sites and places of cultural significance, including wāhi tapu and wāhi taonga, are protected from inappropriate land use and development.
(6) Kaimoana is managed according to Ngāi Tahu values and tikanga, enabling the sustainable customary harvest of these resources in Whakaraupō.