A vision for Te Waihora | The Te Waihora Co-Governance Group

To restore and rejuvenate the mana, mauri and ecosystem health of Te Waihora and its catchment.

Te Waihora Co-Governance mission statement

Co-Governance is the korowai of kaitiakitanga over Te Waihora and its catchment.

To be leaders providing direction for all those who have a role in, or responsibility for, restoring the mauri of Te Waihora while maintaining a prosperous land-based economy and thriving communities for current and future generations.

Co-Governance commitments

We will:

Set strategic direction and priorities for all those working to restore the mana and mauri of Te Waihora, ki uta ki tai, and to promote integration and alignment of actions across Te Waihora and its catchment within an overarching framework for restoration and rejuvenation
Provide political leadership and influence for the implementation of our strategic direction for Te Waihora and its catchment for current and future generations
Share decision-making with Ngāi Tahu, on matters that relate to the mana and mauri of Te Waihora and the catchment, to the extent that Ngāi Tahu determine as necessary
Secure sustainable long-term funding and investment for actions on the ground
Evaluate effectiveness of the implementation of restoration work programmes and of co-governance over time

Read the Te Waihora Strategy Action Plan 2021 (PDF 1.4MB)

Contributions of the parties

Ngāi Tahu

Owner of the lake bed
Statutory powers from Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act (NTCSA)
Values based authenticity
Treaty partnership
Ki Uta Ki Tai expertise
Intergenerational commitment
Whānau and hapū network of experts and kaitiaki

Environment Canterbury, Christchurch City Council, Te Papa Atawhai/Department of Conservation, Selwyn District Council

What does the Co-Governance Group want to achieve?

In 2019/20, the Co-Governance Group began the development of a framework to help track overall progress towards achieving the shared long-term vision and strategic priorities for restoring the mana and mauri of Te Waihora.

The focus is on the outcomes, which represent the aspirations of the local communities and those most closely connected with Te Waihora.

The section below sets out the two-generation, or 50-year, outcomes and what that should look like.

Two-generation (50-year) outcomes

Outcomes are based on the Co-Governor's vision statement and shared priorities. We also align our outcomes with the Treasury's Living Standards Framework and the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The mauri and ecosystem health of Te Waihora is restored

50-year vision

Acknowledging that Te Waihora cannot be returned to the pre-human settlement condition, it will have abundant and diverse birdlife, and be surrounded by native vegetation including kahikatea forests, wetlands with sedges and harakeke, expanses of purple native musk (Mimulus repens) and glasswort (Sarcocornia quinqueflora), and large areas of pingao on seaward areas of Kaitorete.

The tributaries flowing into the lake will bring clean water to the lake and provide good habitat for the species that live in both rivers and streams and in Te Waihora, in particular tuna. Significant areas of lake bed around the lake margins will be protected by well-established macrophytes within the lake and will have clear water for most of the time, with a gravel lake bed visible.

There will be abundant fish populations, with diadromous species able to access the sea at appropriate times to maintain healthy populations. The vast open expanses of Te Waihora, with the backdrop of Te Pātaka o Rākaihautū (Banks Peninsula), will retain a natural appearance, mostly uninterrupted by visible human activity.

Alignment with Living Standards Framework's four capital (NZ Treasury)

Natural Capital

UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDG:
6. Clean water and sanitation
13. Climate action
14. Life below water
15. Life on land

Thriving communities - current and future generations are provided for

50-year vision

The communities, organisations and partnerships with an interest in Te Waihora will work to support the restoration of the mauri of the lake and will acknowledge and respect the customary responsibilities of Ngāi Tahu. Communities will be able to access Te Waihora for mahinga kai and for active and passive recreation for generations to come. The natural resources of Te Waihora, and the history of settlement woven through the landscape, will be protected alongside the restoration of native habitat wherever possible. Interest in Te Waihora and environs, from both the local community and those further afield, will increase.

Alignment with Living Standards Framework's four capital (NZ Treasury)

Social Capital

UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDG:
16. Peace, justice and strong institutions
17. Partnerships for the goals

A healthy Te Waihora supports healthy people

50-year vision

Individuals will have knowledge of and be able to participate in activities as the generations before them have done, including accessing mahinga kai, recreational fishing and game bird hunting, birdwatching and water sports, and simply enjoying the wide open expanses of Te Waihora. There will be opportunities for people to be employed by new or existing businesses as a result of the healthy lake. With increased interest in the lake, and recognition of the values, there will be more opportunities for people, including international visitors, to visit and connect with Te Waihora.

Alignment with Living Standards Framework's four capital (NZ Treasury)

Human Capital

UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDG:
3. Good health & wellbeing
4. Quality Education

A prosperous land and water-based economy is maintained

50-year vision

Existing land use, including farming, will continue to transition to and embed sustainable practices, which enhance the environment whilst retaining economic viability. Commercial fishing and customary fishing will continue within a sustainable management framework. New business opportunities as a result of innovation and healthy natural ecosystems will be available, including different forms of food production plus opportunities and infrastructure to cater for increased visitors to the area.

Alignment with Living Standards Framework's four capital (NZ Treasury)

Financial/Physical Capital

UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)

Relevant SDG:
7. Affordable and clean energy
8. Decent work and economic growth
9. Industry, innovation & infrastructure
12. Responsible consumption & production

Te Waihora Indicator Framework and vision for Te Waihora and the catchment

For each of the outcomes the Co-Governors have drafted a set of indicators. In December 2020, the Co-Governors met to explore their aspirations and expectations for the 10 and 20-year visions for each of the 20 indicators.

You can read more about the indicators and the Co-Governors' vision in a report to the March 2021 Co-Governance Group hui.