Ng? Wai Ariki o Rotorua:He Kohikohinga

Abstract

Te Ahi Kaa Roa are a collective of representatives from the hap? and iwi who have maintained continuous occupation of ?hinemutu, Whakarewarewa and Ng?puna villages in Rotorua since pre-European times. Ahi Kaa refers to the ‘burning fires of occupation’, and the wh?nau who reside in these villages have a long and unique relationship with the geothermal resources, features and activity around them. Because of their intergenerational knowledge and experience, Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Council) initiated the establishment of the group as one way to ensure a tangata whenua lens or perspective regarding the management of the Rotorua Geothermal System and that mana whenua are afforded a clear voice in the development of the Rotorua System Management Plan and the review of the Rotorua Geothermal Regional Plan. While not the sole focus of the group, a key output of this relationship has been the collation of cultural views, perspectives and observations of the current health of Rotorua Geothermal, and past and current uses, in the report Ng? Wai Ariki o Rotorua: He Kohikohinga. This presentation will present a Te Ao M?ori perspective on how we measure mauri or health of geothermal and describe the significant change in geothermal use and management due to the intergenerational impacts of colonisation and resultant loss of control over their natural resources. Principles of management are proposed, including matters such an intergenerational equity, embedding M?tauranga M?ori in decision making, reciprocity, and prioritization of uses of geothermal for the benefit of the community. A unique and challenging view on future management opportunities will be presented.