Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority

Te Maru o Kaituna River Authority is a co-governance partnership, set up by the Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014, mandated to restore, protect and enhance the environmental, cultural and spiritual health and wellbeing of the Kaituna River. The Kaituna River and its tributaries are considered taonga (treasures) by both iwi and the community, and are valued resources for the Bay of Plenty region.

The Authority is made up of iwi representatives from Tapuika Iwi Authority Trust, Te Kapu Ō Waitaha, Te Pumautanga o Te Arawa Trust, Te Tāhuhu o Tawakeheimoa Trust and Te Komiti Nui o Ngāti Whakaue, and council representatives from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Western Bay of Plenty District Council and Tauranga City Council.

The Tapuika Claims Settlement Act 2014 directed the production of the Kaituna River Document as a tool to empower local iwi and councils to guide better care of their awa and its tributaries. The Kaituna River Document, Kaituna, he taonga tuku iho - a treasure handed down, took effect from 1 August 2018. An Action Plan, Te Tini a Tuna, was then developed and consulted on, outlining what will be done over the next ten years to deliver on the vision, objectives and outcomes of the Kaituna River Document. The Action Plan includes three priority actions, two supporting actions and 18 projects. The five actions are to:

  • Take collective responsibility for improving the health and well-being of the Kaituna River and its tributaries
  • Create a network of healthy and diverse Kaituna habitats and ecosystems
  • Connect our communities and visitors to our river and to our projects
  • Collect good information about the health of the Kaituna River and its tributaries
  • Establish a Kaituna River restoration and enhancement fund.

Over time, this forum has continued to mature and evolve. It is an example of how collaboration between different groups and organisations can achieve meaningful mahi that mutually benefits everyone. As the administering body, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council feels privileged to work closely with the members of this forum.