Over time, the human activities along the Waikato River and the increasingly intensive land uses
through its catchments have degraded the Waikato River and reduced the relationships and
aspirations of communities who identify with the Waikato River.
This degradation of the River and its catchment has severely compromised Waikato River Iwi in
their ability to exercise kaitiakitanga or conduct their tikanga and kawa.
In 1987 Sir Robert Mahuta and others fled a claim over the Waikato River with the Waitangi
Tribunal in order to redress the confscation of Waikato lands and the consequences of raupatu
which impact on the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River and the relationship of Waikato-
Tainui with the Waikato River.
Through the Treaty Settlement process between Waikato-Tainui and the Crown the Guardians
Establishment Committee was formed with the support of other Waikato River Iwi. In 2009 the
Guardians Establishment Committee fnalised its Vision and Strategy for the Waikato River.
That Vision and Strategy, to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of the Waikato River,
has been incorporated in the settlement legislation for the Waikato River Raupatu Claim - the
legislation under which The Waikato River Authority is constituted. The Authority assumed
guardianship of the Vision and Strategy at the time of its formation in 2010.
The Vision and Strategy incorporates the objectives sought by Waikato-Tainui and other
objectives that refect the interests of Waikato River Iwi and of all New Zealanders. In 2012 the
Nga Wai o Maniapoto legislation was enacted to include the upper catchment of the Waipa River
through to its junction with the Waikato River. The Vision and Strategy now applies to the whole
of the Waipa River catchment.
These objectives encompass all people of the River and their relationships with it - through their
communities, industries,
recreation, social and
cultural pursuits. It
will take commitment
and time to restore
and protect the health
and wellbeing of the
Waikato River.
Only by us all working
together collaboratively
and cooperatively will
the Vision be realised.
Large version of this map inside back cover.
Lower
Waikato
Waipa
Upper Waikato
Te Puuaha o Waikato
Huka Falls
Legend
Waipa-Area C
Waikato River and Waipa River
Upper Waikato-Area B
Lower Waikato-Area A
Major lakes in the Waikato region
Waikato River Clean-up Trust Funding Strategy
September 2012
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