The claimants argue this legal challenge follows more than a decade of broken promises and "Crown inaction". Photo: RNZ / Rebekah Parsons-King
Wai Manawa Whenua - a coalition representing Māori landowners, hapū and iwi collectives and national organisations, including the Federation of Māori Authorities (FOMA), will appear before the High Court in Wellington on 3 and 4 November, challenging the Crown to urgently take action to restore the health of freshwater.
The coalition argues the legal challenge responds to decades of broken promises and "Crown inaction" that "ignore Māori authority and kaitiaki responsibilities".
Wai Mana Whenua Chairman Kingi Smiler. Photo: John Cowpland / alphapix
Wai Mana Whenua Chairman Kingi Smiler said the case is not about Māori owning all water.
"It is about recognising Māori authority where we have ancestral ties and responsibilities to keep water healthy, and about ensuring the rights that Māori have are respected and protected in decisions about the use and protection of these waters," he said.
The coalition is seeking:
- Timely and effective Crown action to halt further decline in the health and well-being of water bodies.
- Safeguards to enable and ensure the recognition of Maori tikanga and proprietary rights in water and geothermal resources.
- A fair and durable water allocation system that enables Māori to fulfil their role as kaitiaki.
Te Arawa Lakes Trust Chairman Wallace Haumaha said the role of Māori as kaitiaki is enduring.
"This case is about protecting the life of our waters for future generations - something that benefits everyone in Aotearoa."
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