Papatūānuku is profoundly important in the Ngāi Tahu worldview, as the birthplace of all things of the world, and the place to which they return. Papatūānuku is the wife of Ranginui, and their children are the ancestors of all parts of nature.
This section addresses issues of significance in the takiwā relating to Papatūānuku, the land. An important kaupapa of Ngāi Tahu resource management perspectives and practice is the protection and maintenance of the mauri of Papatūānuku, and the enhancement of mauri where it has been degraded by the actions of humans.
Land use and development activities in the takiwā must be managed in way that works with the land and not against it. Papatūānuku sustains the people, and the people must in turn ensure their actions do not compromise the life supporting capacity of the environment. The cultural, social and economic wellbeing of people and communities is dependent on a healthy and resilient environment.
Ngā Paetae Objectives
(1) The mauri of land and soil resources is protected mō tātou, ā, mō kā uri ā muri ake nei.
(2) The ancestral and contemporary relationship between Ngāi Tahu and the land is recognised and provided for in land use planning and decision making.
(3) Land use planning and management in the takiwā reflects the principle of Ki Uta Ki Tai.
(4) Rural and urban land use occurs in a manner that is consistent with land capability, the assimilative capacity of catchments and the limits and availability of water resources.
(5) Inappropriate land use practices that have a significant and unacceptable effect on water quality and quantity are discontinued.
(6) Ngāi Tahu has a prominent and influential role in urban planning and development.
(7) Subdivision and development activities implement low impact, innovative and sustainable solutions to water, stormwater, waste and energy issues.
(8) Ngāi Tahu cultural heritage values, including wāhi tapu and other sites of significance, are protected from damage, modification or destruction as a result of land use.