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Background
The Waikato River Authority was established in 2010 as the custodian of the Vision
and Strategy for the Waikato River. The Authority is also the body responsible for
overseeing the implementation of the clean-up of the river.
The Vision and Strategy was developed and published in 2008 under the watch and
direction of the Guardians Establishment Committee. Consultative hui, public open
days and meetings with stakeholders with an interest and connection with the Waikato
River were held. In addition submissions were called for and received which guided the
formation of the Vision and Strategy.
The Vision and Strategy responds
to four fundamental issues as set
out below:
1. The degradation of the Waikato River and its catchment has severely compromised
Waikato River iwi in their ability to exercise mana whakahaere or conduct their
tikanga and kawa;
2. Over time, human activities along the Waikato River and land uses through its
catchments have degraded the Waikato River and reduced the relationships and
aspirations of communities with the Waikato River;
3. The natural processes of the Waikato River have been altered over time by physical
intervention, land use and subsurface hydrological changes. The cumulative effects
of these uses have degraded the Waikato River; and
4. It will take commitment and time to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of
the Waikato River.
The Vision is consistent with the overarching purpose of the settlement between
Waikato-Tainui and the Crown to restore and protect the health and wellbeing of
the Waikato River. The Vision and Strategy incorporates the objectives provided by
Waikato-Tainui as set out in the Agreement in Principle, and other objectives that
reflect the interests of Waikato River iwi, and of all New Zealanders.
As the Waikato River is important to all the people of the region, the ultimate measure
of this Vision and Strategy will be that the Waikato River will be safe for people to
swim in and take food from over its entire length.
