Tāne Mahuta is the atua of the forests and birds, and the son of Ranginui and Papatūānuku. It is Tāne that broke the tight embrace of his parents, forcing Rangi high into the heavens and leaving Papatūānuku on earth to care for their children.
This section addresses issues of significance pertaining to indigenous biodiversity and mahinga kai; the flora and fauna that make up the domain of Tāne. General issues and policy in this section sit alongside local issues described in Part 6 of this IMP.
Ngāi Tahu has a particular interest in indigenous biodiversity, both for its inherent value on the landscape and the ecosystem services it provides, and with regard to mahinga kai. Indigenous flora and fauna has sustained tāngata whenua for hundreds of years, providing food, fibre, building materials, fuel, medicine and other necessities. The relationship between tāngata whenua and indigenous biodiversity has evolved over centuries of close interaction and is an important part of Ngāi Tahu culture and identity.
The protection and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity and mahinga kai underpins many of the issues and policies in this IMP.
Ngā Paetae Objectives
(1) Regional policy, planning and decision making in the takiwā reflects the particular interest of Ngāi Tahu in indigenous biodiversity protection, and the importance of mahinga kai to Ngāi Tahu culture and traditions.
(2) The customary right of Ngāi Tahu to engage in mahinga kai activity is recognised, protected and enhanced, as guaranteed by Article 2 of Te Tiriti o Waitangi, and the NTCSA 1998.
(3) The presence of indigenous biodiversity on the Canterbury landscape is enhanced, both in rural and urban environments.
(4) The taonga value of indigenous ecosystems as natural capital and provider of essential ecosystem services is increasingly valued in the community.
(5) Customary use, and therefore mahinga kai, is given effect to as a first order priority for freshwater management in the takiwā.
(6) Traditional and contemporary mahinga kai sites and species are protected and restored.
(7) Existing areas of indigenous vegetation are protected, and degraded areas are restored.
(8) The establishment and spread of invasive pest and weed species is progressively and effectively controlled.
(9) The protection and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity and mahinga kai occurs through a shared, coordinated effort between tāngata whenua, local authorities, conservation groups and communities.