Home
Table of contents
  • WHENUA NGAHARE/BUSHLAND
WHENUA NGAHARE/BUSHLAND
The traditions of Ngāti Mutunga illustrate the cultural, historical and spiritual association of our people with the bushland. These areas represent the links between our tūpuna and present and future generations.
INTRODUCTION
The traditions of Ngāti Mutunga illustrate the cultural, historical and spiritual association of Ngāti Mutunga and the bushland. For Ngāti Mutunga, these areas represent the links between our tūpuna and present and future generations. This history and relationship reinforce tribal identity, connections between generations and confirms the importance of the bushland to Ngāti Mutunga.
This relationship has been acknowledged by the Crown through a Statutory Acknowledgement over Crown owned land in the area; including Mataro scenic reserve, the parts of Mt Messenger Conservation Area within the Ngāti Mutunga rohe, the Taramoukou Conservation Area, the Tangitu Conservation Area and Miro Scenic reserve. A Statutory Acknowledgement formally acknowledges the historical connection of the iwi to the land. All consent authorities must send the Rūnanga copies of any application for resource consent for an activity within, adjacent to or impacting directly on any of these areas.
CULTURAL VALUES
The bushlands are a significant mahinga kai source which sustained the physical and spiritual wellbeing of Ngāti Mutunga in the past. The medicinal qualities of the plant life in the bushlands are known and valued by Ngāti Mutunga.
Birds were a particularly important mahinga kai resource. Our tūpuna caught kaka, kiwi, kahurangi and kererū. Our tūpuna would hollow out Miro logs to make drinking troughs for birds such as kererū, and then wait in hiding to catch them.
Tuna, inanga and kōura (freshwater crayfish) were found in the streams. The pāua (slug) is another traditional resource found in the bushland.
Paru (mud) found in some areas of the bushlands was used for dying muka (flax fibre).
The range of plants in the area also provided materials for waka, weaving, building and clothing.
Many pā were in the bushland, including Ruahine, Whakairongo, Takapuikaka and Tikorangi. These pā were used as sites of refuge during times of war. Many other temporary kāinga and campsites were established throughout the bushland. These were used seasonally as a base for gathering food. Some of these sites have been damaged or destroyed by human activities.
Our tūpuna established and used ara tawhito (old pathways) throughout the bushland. They also knew the history of the area, where to gather mahinga kai and ways to use the resources provided by the bushland. Proper and sustainable resource management has always been at the heart of the relationship between Ngāti Mutunga and the bushland. Ngāti Mutunga retains these values and knowledge to this day.
GEOGRAPHIC AREA
The bush area of the rohe consists of steep, erosion prone hill country, formed from sand and mudstones, which sits behind the narrow strip of uplifted marine terraces (referred to in this plan as the plains). Many of the issues and policies set out in the plains section, particularly those relating to land management, will apply to activities carried out in the bushland area. This section should be read in conjunction with the Plains chapter starting on page 72.
The bushland was predominantly covered in forest. Some areas close to the coast were milled by settlers, or cleared to make way for farm land; however, these areas may be poorly suited to farming because of the shallow soils and steep slopes which make the area prone to erosion. Some cleared areas are reverting back to native scrub and forest.
A significant amount of land in the rohe is owned and administered by the Department of Conservation. Some of these areas are home to distinctive or endangered plants and animals, including kiwi. Information on all Department of Conservation owned land, including species found in the areas, is included as Appendix 2
BUSHLAND ECOSYSTEMS
Ecosystems are communities of living things that interact with each other and their physical environment.
Much of the bushland area is covered in mature or regenerating native forest. This forest ecosystem supports a diverse array of plants and animals, as well as performing important natural functions such as storing carbon, releasing oxygen for us to breathe and acting as a natural filter for water.
GENERAL POLICIES
1. Require recognition of the customary right of Ngāti Mutunga to access and use the resources of native forest ecosystems
2. Encourage understanding of the forests as taonga, to be treasured and protected for future generations
3. Promote the management of whole ecosystems and landscapes, as well as individual species
4. Encourage the protection and appreciation of native forest ecosystems and the essential ecosystem services they provide
5. Encourage integrated management of forests across land ownership and use boundaries
BIODIVERSITY
Biodiversity is the diversity of all living things. Biodiversity underpins mahinga kai. Without the myriad of species which our tūpuna used for all aspects of mahinga kai, we lose our ability to live from the land.
The bushlands are home to a wide range of species, including some which are now rare or endangered. The Ngāti Mutunga taonga species list, included as Appendix 5, sets out species of importance to Ngāti Mutunga which may be found in the bushland. Many species which were plentiful are now hard to find, and some, such as the Kōkako, have disappeared entirely. Numbers of birds are declining – korihi o ngā manu (birdsong) can barely be heard anymore.
Information on the conservation value of the bushlands is included in Appendix 2.
OBJECTIVE
To support the protection and enhancement of biodiversity in the bushlands.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
  • 1. Loss of biodiversity as a result of
  • a. Loss of habitat
  • b. Competition or predation by pest species introduced through human activities
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
1
Require that activities avoid (rather than remedy or mitigate) the adverse effect of land use and development on indigenous biodiversity in the bushlands
2
Encourage the restoration of whenua ngahere ecosystems using generally-accepted best practice conservation standard for the species being protected
3
Ensure that consideration to cultural values is given when identifying ecosystems, habitats and areas with significant indigenous biodiversity values
4
Encourage protection of breeding sites through intensive sustainable pest control and fully documented monitoring of taonga species to best practice conservation standards. This includes the standards set by the Specialist Group for that species (ie the kōkako Specialist Group)
1
5. Identify ways to work with owners of indigenous forests to protect these areas
2
6. Support and promote all efforts to control and eradicate pests in native forest ecosystems including the use of aerial 1080 poison which we support due to its effectiveness in the difficult to access ngahere of Ngāti Mutunga – until an equally economic and effective product is available
3
7. Encourage the adoption of holistic pest management strategies which tackle all pest species to accepted best practice conservation standards
4
8. Support efforts to update data on the distribution, conservation status and habitats of native species including monitoring, banding and recording of information on all taonga bird species
5
9. Support identification and protection of native fish habitats in the rohe
BIOPROSPECTING
Bioprospecting is the collection of biological material (e.g. plants, animals, micro-organisms) and the analysis of its material properties, or its molecular, biochemical or genetic content, for the purpose of developing a commercial product. For example, the collection, testing and use of native plant species to develop medicines.
Bioprospecting is not currently regulated in New Zealand. Now anyone can look for potential products in our rohe without consulting or involving Ngāti Mutunga. They may also be able to claim ownership of any ideas or products they develop using indigenous species.
Bioprospectors may want to use mātauranga to help them develop products – for example deriving commercial medicines from species used for Rongoa.
Bioprospecting is linked to the Waitangi Tribunal Wai 262 flora and fauna claim. Key concerns raised in the claim are that the existing regulatory system does not support Māori control of the use of mātauranga, and that indigenous flora and fauna are protected taonga under Article 2 of the Treaty of Waitangi2.
OBJECTIVE
2 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment, Bioprospecting: Report on recent consultation, http://www.med.govt.nz/upload/63139/Cab%20paper\_%20Bioprospecting.pdf [accessed December 2008]
To recognise that Ngāti Mutunga may engage in bioprospecting and protect intellectual property rights in products developed from indigenous species.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
  • 1. Lack of control over bioprospecting in New Zealand
  • 2. Ngāti Mutunga consider that we have a development right in all indigenous species, so should be the first to benefit from any commercial use of indigenous species
  • 3. Current intellectual property laws do not meet the needs of tangata whenua, because intellectual property is awarded to an individual, not a group
  • 4. Tangata whenua are unable to obtain or use intellectual property rights to protect or commercially exploit (where appropriate) their traditional knowledge, cultural property and biological resources
  • 5. People can currently access and use taonga species for commercial gain without tangata whenua permission
6. Potential for bioprospecting activities to damage indigenous plants and animals and the relationship of tangata whenua to them
7. Potential for bioprospecting activities to block access to sites of significance
8. Some knowledge should not be used for commercial gain
9. Some bioprospectors may seek intellectual property rights for creations or inventions based on traditional knowledge or practices
10. Potential use of genetic engineering to develop products from materials found through bioprospecting
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
01
Encourage the development of national controls on bioprospecting
02
Require Crown recognition of iwi ownership of intellectual property in indigenous species
03
Encourage the revision of intellectual property laws so that they provide for knowledge held collectively by tangata whenua
04
Encourage revision of intellectual property laws to enable tangata whenua to protect or commercially exploit (where appropriate) their traditional knowledge, cultural property and biological resources
05
Require any controls on bioprospecting to provide for:
  • a. Benefit-sharing with tangata whenua for any commercial use of indigenous species
  • b. Tangata whenua involvement in bioprospecting activities including granting permission to prospect in their rohe
  • c. Protection of conversation and environmental values
  • d. Tangata whenua access to sites of significance
  • e. Tangata whenua to veto any application which misuses cultural knowledge
Policy 6
Oppose granting of intellectual property to third parties making applications for uses based on Mātauranga Māori
Policy 7
Oppose genetic engineering of indigenous species
MAHINGA KAI
Mahinga kai is about mahi ngā kai – the way we gather resources, where we get them from, how we process them and what we produce. These places, processes and skills are an essential element of Ngāti Mutungatanga. Our tūpuna were able to feed, clothe and house themselves using the resources provided by papatuanuku.
The bushlands provided a wide variety of essential resources. For example birds provided kai and feathers for weaving. Some species of tree are used for building kāinga or waka, carving and making tools. Plants provide kai and materials for weaving and rongoa.
European settlement completely disrupted traditional mahinga kai cycles by destroying habitat (for example by clearing forests and draining wetlands) and introducing species which eat or outcompete native species (for example, possums, cats, trout). The confiscation of land also separated Ngāti Mutunga from our traditional resources, leaving us unable to live from the land as our tūpuna did.
The loss of native bird species has been particularly dramatic in terms of changing the relationship between Ngāti Mutunga and Mahinga Kai. The government has addressed this problem through the Wildlife Act 1953, which makes it illegal to hunt or kill most native bird species. Ngāti Mutunga are gravely concerned about the loss of native species, particularly birds, and are opposed to illegal poaching of indigenous species.
Native trees are also threatened by habitat loss, pests such as possums and illegal logging. Under the Forests Act 1949 privately owned native forest can only be logged "sustainably" – that means that the forests must continuously provide a full range of products and amenities, in perpetuity, while retaining the forests' natural values. Only single trees and small groups of trees can be felled for timber production3. Native trees on Crown owned land cannot be logged. However, there is evidence that illegal logging is going on in the bushland of our rohe.
Ngāti Mutunga understands the importance of protecting and preserving these species, but should be able to sustainably harvest them where appropriate.
OBJECTIVE
To
  • protect and restore populations of indigenous species, especially birds, and other rare or threatened species to restore customary use and associations and provide a basis for their use in mahinga kai now and in the future
  • retain our traditions around mahinga kai, and pass those traditions on to future generations
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
[viewed March 2019]
3 Ministry for Primary Industries, formerly Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries,
1. The confiscation, sale and development of land has made it difficult for Ngāti Mutunga to access mahinga kai
2. Loss of the species and knowledge associated with mahinga kai
3. The further decline of populations from poaching, unsustainable harvesting and illegal logging
4. Loss and degradation of habitat
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
Promote understanding
Promote understanding of the link between the well-being of Ngāti Mutunga and mahinga kai
Require consultation
Require consultation with Ngāti Mutunga on any application which may have an adverse effect on mahinga kai in this region
Support access
Support initiatives which provide for Ngāti Mutunga access to sites associated with mahinga kai in this region
Support protection
Support the protection, restoration and enhancement of indigenous biodiversity
Support monitoring
Support the monitoring and enforcement of current restrictions of the hunting of native birds and harvest of native trees
01
Encourage more stringent protection of the Pukeko, which is currently listed as a game bird in the Wildlife Act 1953
02
Encourage effective working relationships with the Department of Conservation in regard to customary use of native plants, birds, marine mammals, and other traditional materials on conservation lands. This includes
  • a. the continuation and codification of current arrangements with the Department of Conservation where the Rūnanga is provided with the bodies of native birds which have died accidentally or naturally, so that the feathers can be used for weaving
  • b. the development of similar agreements for native trees which have died or fallen down naturally in Crown owned land. Ngāti Mutunga would like to be offered these trees for customary uses such as the building of waka and carving
1
8. Support and develop mechanisms to provide for the sustainable harvest of mahinga kai species for customary use
2
9. Support the restoration of key mahinga kai areas and species, and the tikanga associated with managing those places and species
3
10. Encourage the incorporation of the knowledge of tangata whenua with regards to native birds, plants and other traditional materials, and its value in understanding how to protect and enhance biodiversity
4
11. Promote joint management of key mahinga kai places and species on conservation land
5
12. Encourage collaborative research and monitoring projects between Ngāti Mutunga and scientists that address customary use issues using both Mātauranga Māori and mainstream science
6
13. Require and support initiatives to tackle illegal logging
Species Recovery
Species recovery focuses on enhancing the recovery of threatened native plant and animal species in coastal, land and freshwater ecosystems. This is achieved through such initiatives as habitat enhancement, breeding programmes, species transfer and predator control4.
Some species, such as kōkako, have been deliberately removed from the rohe because pressure from pests and habitat destruction was likely to cause extinction. Other rare and threatened species which may be found in the rohe include –
  • Kāka
  • Kākāriki
  • Kārearea (Falcon)
  • Kererū (New Zealand Pigeon)
  • Kiwi (The North Island Brown Kiwi)
  • Mātātā (Fernbird)
  • Para (King Fern)
  • Pekapeka (Long and Short Tailed Bats)
  • Pua-o-te-rēinga (Woodrose)
  • Tainui (Golden Tainui)
  • Titipounamu (Rifleman)
Five year Habitat/Species Priority Plan for Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga
The following plan identifies the priorities for the work that Te Runanga intends to carry out over the next five years in the area of habitat and species restoration
Priority Habitat/Species for restoration within the Ngati Mutunga rohe 2018 - 2023
Habitats:
4 Te Ao Marama Inc. (2008) Te Tangi a Tauira Iwi Resource Management Plan for Murihiku. Te Ao Marama Inc, Southland. (accessed March 2019)
Priority Species
Ngāti Mutunga believes that it is possible to eradicate pests and restore forests to a state where it is safe to return these species as has happened this year with Kōkako being returned to Ngāti Mutunga forests.
Further information on the conservation values of the rohe is included as Appendix 2.
OBJECTIVE
To protect and restore populations of absent, rare, threatened or declining indigenous species.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
  • 1. Protection of habitat
  • 2. Potential for the use of recovery tools such as:
  • a. Sanctuaries
  • b. Breeding programmes
  • c. Species re-introduction
  • 3. Protection of bird breeding and feeding areas
  • 4. Exclusion of stock and effective and sustainable pest management/eradication
  • 5. Recognition of Ngāti Mutunga cultural values as part of species restoration programmes
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
  • 1. Support identification and protection of areas with significant biodiversity or conservation value
  • 2. Oppose any activity which may compromise the habitat, diversity and abundance of native bird species
  • 3. Support species recovery and habitat enhancement programmes being run by the Department of Conservation and other groups
  • 4. Support identification of areas which may be suitable for sanctuaries, and work with the Department of Conservation to establish sanctuaries
PEST MANAGEMENT
As well as land clearance, biodiversity (and our ability to carry out mahinga kai) has been damaged by the introduction of pest species. Introduced plants and animals are decimating populations of indigenous species by, for example, eating them and taking over their habitat. Ngāti Mutunga see both pest control – managing existing pests, and biosecurity – keeping potential pests out of our rohe, as important ways to protect biodiversity and mahinga kai.
OBJECTIVE
To support pest management for the purposes of restoring indigenous biodiversity, but ensure that pest control operations avoid non-target adverse effects on the environment and our cultural values.
Ensure we are kept updated and informed on current and newly introduced methods of pest control and ensure the most effective and appropriate methods are used under any given circumstance.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
Impact of pest species on indigenous plants and animals
Lack of engagement with Ngāti Mutunga on biosecurity and pest control
Lack of understanding within iwi of biosecurity and pest control
Impacts of pest control methods on non-target species
Lack of co-ordination for pest management between adjacent landowners, leading to a situation where it is very hard to control pests because they keep re-invading from neighbouring properties
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
1
Encourage the recognition and management of the following pest species – mustelids (stoats, weasels and ferrets) goats, rats, possums Myrtle Rust, in addition to those already identified in Department of Conservation and Taranaki Regional Council pest management strategies (Listed in Appendix 4)
2
Require agencies to monitor the effects of pest control on non-target species – particularly taonga species (listed in Appendix 4) or those associated with mahinga kai
3
Require all agencies to conduct pest management operations in a way that minimises cultural impact on non-target species
4
Encourage those assessing pest control options to give environmental and cultural considerations greater weighing than cost considerations
5
Encourage the development of comprehensive community pest management programmes, to be carried out by all landowners in the area
6
Require contractors to avoid the transportation of pests on machinery used for earthworks, boats and other vehicles
7
Discourage planting of exotic plants which may become weeds, and encourage and support planting of indigenous species or taonga plants
8
Encourage monitoring and research on pests in the Ngāti Mutunga rohe, and encourage information sharing with Ngāti Mutunga
9
Require Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga to carry out effective and sustainable pest eradication programmes on land owned by Te Rūnanga – eg Key Native Ecosystem programmes the Rūnanga is running with the TRC over the Okoki and Pukemiro sites
1080 (SODIUM FLOUROACETATE)
1080 poison is used to control possum populations in the Taranaki region and throughout the country. Possum control is undertaken to protect forest biodiversity and native species, and to reduce the risk of tuberculosis spreading from possums which carry the disease into farmed cattle and deer.
Possums consume a huge amount of native vegetation. Over time, the types of trees found in forests will change as possums eat all the more edible trees, especially canopy species including Rata and Kohekohe. If left uncontrolled possums will destroy forests, leaving nowhere for native animals to live. As well as eating forest plants, possums eat threatened giant land snails and the eggs of native birds such as the Kiwi, Kōkako and Kererū. They also compete for food with native species such as Kaka.
As well as killing possums, 1080 poison will kill rats, stoats and wild cats – species which also prey on native birds, invertebrates, seeds, bats and lizards. It may also kill deer and pigs, more introduced animals which damage native forests.
Aerial application of 1080 has been the main tool for control of possums over large areas. There are some other options for use in bait stations and ground-based application, including cholecalciferol toxin (vitamin D3), zinc phosphide, cyanide and trapping, but these options are very labour intensive and therefore expensive. It is hard to carry out these operations, which require people to set baits or traps, in large rugged areas like North Taranaki.
The use of 1080 is controversial for several reasons for Ngāti Mutunga:
  • People do not fully understand the effects of 1080
  • It is offensive to pour poison onto papatuanuku
  • Pigs and deer, species some community members hunt, may also be killed by the poison
  • There are concerns about the effect of poison on non-target species, particularly native birds and insects
  • Dogs are very susceptible to the poison, and any dog which eats a poisoned possum carcass will get sick or die
  • Animals which have ingested 1080 may take up to 24hrs to die causing pain and stress for the animal
Ngāti Mutunga considers that the detrimental effects of 1080 should be considered alongside the benefits. Scientific studies, some with a specific Māori focus (e.g. tuna) have shown that the poison does not significantly affect native birds, 1080 bait is designed so that birds won't eat it and 1080 is not taken up by plants in such quantities that it would harm any person using that plant for kai or rongoa5. Possums are a much bigger threat to native bird and plant species than 1080.
OBJECTIVE
To ensure that 1080 is only used when it is the most appropriate form of pest control available
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
Issue 1
Damage to native ecosystems caused by possums
Issue 2
The potential impact of 1080 on non-target species
Issue 3
Ngāti Mutunga role in deciding when, where and how 1080 is applied
4. Lack of community understanding of the effects and use of 1080
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
01
Support the use of 1080, provided it is the most appropriate option in the circumstances
02
Discourage the use of 1080 in areas which could be managed by shooting or trapping possums
03
Require best practice be used in all 1080 operations, including the lowest possible rates of application stated in ERMA controls for 1080 that all contractors must give effect to
04
Require monitoring of the effects of all 1080 operations in the rohe on native bird species as part of operations
05
Require that cost considerations not take precedence over cultural and environmental values when assessing possible pest control methods
06
Encourage the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Regional Council and contractors to collect (or permit others to collect) poisoned carcasses to avoid poisoning of other species which come into contact with dead possums, so long as poisoned carcasses can be disposed of safely.
07
Support investigation into the effects of and alternatives to 1080
08
Support working in partnership with the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Regional Council and contractors to ensure that the 1080 is applied in a way that avoids or minimises effects on cultural values while providing maximum benefit to native forest ecosystems
09
Require the Department of Conservation, Taranaki Regional Council and contractors to provide for Ngāti Mutunga involvement in deciding when, where and how 1080 will be used in the rohe – for example, Ngāti Mutunga may prioritise pest control in a specific area due to its cultural values
5 Waiwai, James; Doherty, Jim; Ogilvie, Shaun; Ataria, Jamie; Waiwai, Lisa and Te Whanau Pani Turipa; Impacts of 1080 on Taonga Species, 27/11/2007
10. Require any information provided on pest control strategies to be written in plain English and supported by a kanohi ki te kanohi meeting
11. Encourage the Department of Conservation and Taranaki Regional Council to hold community hui to discuss the use of 1080
LAND USE AND DEVELOPMENT
Land in the bushland may be subject to increasing development pressure from land uses such as farming, forestry and mining. Department of Conservation owned land may be subject to development pressure through mining, increasing tourism or commercial use of the land.
Many of the activities described in the plains section may occur in the bushland area or be associated with land use and development in the bushland area. This section should be read in conjunction with the Land Use and Development section of the Coast chapter on page 94.
OBJECTIVE
To ensure wise use of land which avoids adverse effects on the environment and cultural values.
GENERAL POLICIES
1. Require recognition of the Ngāti Mutunga right to development, as provided by the Treaty of Waitangi
2. Require recognition of the relationship of Ngāti Mutunga with our ancestral lands, water, wāhi tapu and sites of significance when assessing any proposed development in the bushland
3. Discourage inappropriate development in Bushland areas
4. Require protection of the natural character of the bushland for future generations
5. Require planning for future development to recognise and provide for cumulative effects on the land, water, biodiversity and cultural
6. landscape of the bushland
VEGETATION CLEARANCE AND BURNING
Vegetation clearance and burning is less common now than in the past, but privately owned areas of bushland may still be cleared or burned to remove pest plants such as gorse or convert it to pasture or exotic forest.
Burning destroys nutrient retention and, in the long term, breaks down the structure of the soils unless there is continual over sowing with grasses and application of fertiliser. The removal of vegetation cover, particularly on steeper slopes, can have significant effects in terms of topsoil loss, regeneration of natural organic matter, stability, effects on water quality, moisture retention and widespread erosion. Furthermore clearance provides habitat for infestation of exotic pest plants and exacerbation of damage by pest animals such as rabbits6.
6 Te Ao Marama Inc. (2008) Te Tangi a Tauira Iwi Resource Management Plan for Murihiku. Te Ao Marama Inc, Southland. (accessed March 2019)
Land clearance may involve the use of herbicides which have a detrimental effect on other species which come into contact with them. If not applied carefully, herbicides may drift into neighbouring areas or contaminate streams, damaging the health of native species and people.
Ngāti Mutunga agree that clearing and burning of land is necessary in some situations to manage pest species such as gorse, but consider that any clearing or burning activity should avoid adverse effects on the environment and cultural values.

NOTE: For areas of over 5Ha a Resource Consent is require to burn vegetation along with a Land Management Plan in place for TRC which looks at issues such as land slope.
OBJECTIVE
  • To encourage wise land use which avoids the need to clear or burn areas of bushland
  • To ensure that any necessary clearing or burning is carried out in a way which avoids adverse effects on the environment and cultural values
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
1. Clearing or burning of land, leading to
  • Increased erosion
  • Nutrient loss
  • Sediment in waterways
  • Disturbance of wāhi tapu or sites of significance
  • Establishment of pest plant species
  • Loss of native species
  • Poisoning of non-target species
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
1
Encourage control of pest plants such as gorse so that land does not have to be cleared or burnt
2
Discourage the clearance or burning of vegetation on steep slopes (ie >28 degrees)
3
Require consultation with Ngāti Mutunga on clearance or burning on or within 50m of the extent of any wāhi tapu and other sites of significance (This would require a Heritage Authority and a Resource Consent now)
4
Require any vegetation clearance operation to have the following measures in place:
  • Methods to reduce erosion, such as re-sowing the area
  • Methods to keep fire or herbicide inside the target area
  • Methods to control pests after vegetation has been removed
5
Oppose the use of toxic herbicides or those which bio-accumulate
6
Require protection of indigenous vegetation in areas or adjacent to areas that are to be burned or cleared (e.g. forest remnants)
7
Require replanting of areas which have been burned unintentionally to avoid soil exposure and erosion, nutrient loss, and invasion of undesirable plant and animal pest species by the landowner or person responsible for the land.
8
Require areas of vegetation damaged or destroyed by non-compliant or unconsented activity to be restored by the land owner
FORESTRY
While there are (increasing) amounts plantation forests in the Ngāti Mutunga rohe at the moment, there is potential for the establishment of forests in the future. The planting, growth and harvest of forests can have detrimental environmental effects, especially if forests are mismanaged or inappropriate species are planted. These effects may include erosion, changes in water flow over land, loss of indigenous vegetation and escape of plantation species into surrounding areas.
Forestry may also have a detrimental effect on sites of cultural significance to Ngāti Mutunga, including the disturbance of wāhi tapu, taonga and mahinga kai sites. The establishment of forests may also prevent Ngāti Mutunga from accessing sites of significance.
OBJECTIVE
To require activities related to forestry to avoid adverse effects on the environment and the cultural values of Ngāti Mutunga.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
1. Disturbance of buried taonga, unknown wāhi tapu and other sites of significance when planting or harvesting trees
2. Inability to access mahinga kai and sites of significance
3. Impacts of forestry operations on waterways, including passage of streams and rivers, water quality and quantity
4. Increased erosion, nutrient loss and pest invasion caused by clear felling
5. Effects of the potential development of associated industries such processing plants and sawmills, which may include increased traffic, the development of roads through forests and the use of hazardous substances
6. Potential for plantation species to escape into surrounding areas and become pest plants
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
01
Oppose development of plantations on or near wāhi tapu
02
Require monitoring and distribution of information on the environmental effects of forests to Ngāti Mutunga
03
Require as a condition of consent that forest managers enter into an accidental discovery protocol with Ngāti Mutunga
04
Require consultation with Ngāti Mutunga on the location of forests to avoid adverse effects on the environment and cultural values
05
Require forest managers to receive training from Ngāti Mutunga on identifying taonga and sites of significance and compliance with accidental discovery protocols
06
Require that Ngāti Mutunga maintain access to cultural sites, materials, and mahinga kai within forest boundaries
07
Require the adoption of best practice in forest management to minimise adverse effects on the environment
08
Encourage planting of species which have a low environmental impact and are well suited to local conditions
09
Encourage the protection of waterways through the establishment of buffer zones and appropriate location of roads and other infrastructure
10
Encourage all forests to have an environmental management plan in place which sets out how adverse effects on the environment will be avoided
11
Encourage replanting after felling to avoid erosion (other than on or within 50 m of a wāhi tapu) add
12
Require forest managers to manage plant and animal pests in the forests
13
Encourage forest managers to put measures in place which reduce the likelihood of seeds escaping from the forest and invading surrounding areas
14
Require that all Resource Consents issued for forest harvest include:
  • Clear sediment control plans
  • Requirement for the management and disposal of all slash produced by the operation
  • An accidental finds protocol
MINING AND PROSPECTING
The bushland area of the Ngāti Mutunga rohe may contain deposits of hydrocarbons and minerals which could form the basis of future mining activities. Smaller scale quarrying operations may also be established to extract gravel or similar materials.
Anyone who wants to prospect, explore or mine minerals or hydrocarbon must get a permit from Crown Minerals. The policy and procedures for processing these requests are set out in the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and programmes and guidelines developed by Crown Minerals.
The potential environmental effects of these activities are managed through the Resource Management Act 1991. The Taranaki Regional council will consider the environmental impacts of each proposal on a case by case basis. Any person wanting to prospect, explore or mine must get both a permit under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 and resource consent. New Plymouth District Council resource consent matters to consider include traffic generation, earthmoving etc.
Neither a permit under the Crown Minerals Act 1991 nor consent under the Resource Management Act 1991 provide a right of access to land. Land access is determined by direct negotiation with the landowner7.
While mining operations may also bring economic benefits to the region, prospecting, exploration and mining all have the potential to disturb wāhi tapu and other sites of significance and disrupt natural ecosystems.
Ngāti Mutunga considers that we own hydrocarbon and mineral resources within our rohe and have a right to develop them.
Ngāti Mutunga maintains that highest priority will always be given to the land, sea, sky. Ko Ranginui ki runga, ko Papatuanuku ki raro, ko ngā tamariki-mokopuna kei waenga.
As most prospecting, exploration and mining activities will require disturbance of the ground, these policies should be read in conjunction with policies on Earthworks set out in the Plains chapter on page 86.
OBJECTIVE
To assert ownership of hydrocarbon and mineral resources in the rohe and ensure that Ngāti Mutunga is involved at all levels in any current or future prospecting exercises.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
  • 1. Crown assertion of ownership of resources
  • 2. Inability of Ngāti Mutunga to develop hydrocarbon and mineral resources
  • 3. Ngāti Mutunga engagement in consenting processes for exploration, prospecting and mining
  • 4. Lack of understanding and implementation of MED programmes and protocol
(accessed March 2019)
7 Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment - Legislation
  • 5. Potential effects of prospecting, exploration and mining on the environment including:
  • a. Damage to wāhi tapu and sites of significance, including through seismic surveys
  • b. Damage to forest ecosystems and biodiversity, for example through forest clearance or the contamination of waterways
  • c. Damage to culturally important landscapes
  • 6. Adverse effects of gravel extraction for example plant pest spread and river bed disturbance
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES – CHECK TARANAKI, ACTS STILL RELEVANT
1
Require recognition of iwi ownership of resources
2
Require, as a condition of resource consent, all applications relating to exploration, drilling and mining to include;
  • a. a kanohi ki te kanohi meeting with Ngāti Mutunga to discuss their application and identify opportunities to work together and share benefits of the proposal
  • b. a Cultural Impact Assessment for any proposed mining, exploration or prospecting
3
Require that consultation information sent to Ngāti Mutunga from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) be written in plain English, include information on potential environmental effects and include a map showing iwi boundaries and other landmarks so that Ngāti Mutunga can properly assess the potential impacts of an application
4
Encourage implementation of the protocol between MBIE and Ngāti Mutunga and compliance with consultation requirements set out in the 2012 revision of the Minerals Programme for Petroleum (2005) and Minerals Programme for Minerals (2013) as well as recognition of Treaty requirements under the Crown Minerals Act 1991
5
Encourage MBIE staff to meet with Ngāti Mutunga to explain their programmes for Minerals and Petroleum, particularly iwi consultation sections into plain English so that Ngāti Mutunga can understand them
6
Encourage information sharing (with the permission of Ngāti Mutunga) on the location of wāhi tapu or sites of significance where any exploration, prospecting or mining will be opposed by Ngāti Mutunga
7
Require that any prospecting, exploration and mining activities avoid disturbance of areas of cultural or environmental significance
8
Oppose the use of seismic surveys on or within 50 m of the identified extent of any wāhi tapu
9
Oppose any activity which may compromise wāhi tapu or other sites of significance, including indirect effects such as unintended collapse of banks or increased erosion
10
Encourage consideration of the effects of the infrastructure required to support prospecting, exploration, drilling and mining activities when assessing applications
11
Encourage effective waste and stormwater management systems for all prospecting, exploration and mining activities
12
Require that the highest environmental standards are applied to any consent application involving mining or extraction activities
13
Require that the highest environmental standards are applied to any gravel extraction activity to minimise the risk of plant pest and seed spread into the rohe, including steam cleaning of machinery and trucks
14
Oppose any application for petroleum activities within the Ngāti Mutunga rohe which will use hydraullic fracturing.
15
Review the current activities within the Ngati Mutunga rohe that involve hydraulic fracturing to ensure that they are being monitored using both western and cultural health indicators relvenat to Ngāti Mutunga
16
Ensure that the waste produced by hydraulic fracturing is being disposed of according to best industry standards and cultural health indices relevant to Ngāti Mutunga
17
Ngāti Mutunga reserve the right to assess and address all permit and consent applications relating to exploration, drilling and mining within the Ngāti Mutunga rohe with authority to either accept or decline in accordance with the terms and conditions as set out in the Iwi Environmental Management plan.
INFRASTRUCTURE
Infrastructure such as roads, sewage and gas mains, pylons and cell phone towers support our social and economic activities. We could not carry out many of our day to day activities without them.
However, these structures and activities may disturb wāhi tapu or sites of significance, damage the environment and have an adverse effect on the health and well-being of those who live near them. These activities may also include earthworks; therefore, this section should be read in conjunction with the Natural and Amenity Features and Earthworks sections of the Plains chapter (pages 70 and 78 respectively).
Some structures, such as power lines and gas pipes, pass through the airspace above and land underlying our rohe. Ngāti Mutunga considers that we have an ownership right to these spaces and seek recognition of and compensation for this usage. Any live electric wire will be surrounded by an electromagnetic field. Communication facilities, such as cell phone towers, use radio waves, formed from radiofrequency electric and magnetic fields8 to transmit information. Concerns have been raised about the effects of electromagnetic fields on human health. There does not seem to be agreement on whether or not electromagnetic fields are dangerous, and the risks to human health vary depending on the type and strength of the electromagnetic field. These electromagnetic fields may also disrupt the mauri and wairua of the environment and have an adverse cultural effect on our people.
There is also now the Resource Management (National Environmental Standard for Telecommunication Facilities) Regulations 2008. DP8 NES apply, but NES covers radio frequency emissions.
8 New Plymouth Regional Council, New Plymouth District Plan, 15 August 2005. The updated District Plan is due to be notified in June 2019.
OBJECTIVE
To
• ensure that infrastructure structures and activities avoid adverse effects on wāhi tapu and sites of significance, the environment and the health and well-being of the people
• require recognition of and compensation for the use of Ngāti Mutunga air and soil space for infrastructure works
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
Issue 1
Lack of recognition of and compensation for the use of air and soil space for infrastructure works
Issue 2
Potential for activities involved in the installation of infrastructure works to damage wāhi tapu or sites of significance
Issue 3
Potential adverse effects of electromagnetic fields on the health of people, including cultural health
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
1. Require compensation for the use of Ngāti Mutunga space above and below the land in our rohe
2. Encourage location of wires which generate electromagnetic fields as far from houses as is practicable
3. Oppose the erection of pylons and cell phone towers in areas where they may be visually intrusive
4. Encourage continuing research into the health and cultural effects of electromagnetic fields
5. Require compliance with best practice and health guidelines for electromagnetic fields
6. GIS MOUs with Ngāti Mutunga operational plan
MANAGEMENT OF DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION OWNED LANDS
The Department of Conservation owns and manages a significant amount of land in the bushland area. The Conservation Areas wholly or partly in this rohe are -
  • Taramoukou (1638 ha) in the headwaters of the Onaero River
  • Pouiatoa (3854 ha) between the Urenui River headwaters and mid reaches of the Waitara River
  • Urenui (113 ha) between Urenui and Piko Rd
  • Makino (7189ha, only part of which is in the rohe of Ngāti Mutunga)
  • Rerekino (524 ha)
  • Mount Messenger (2900ha, only part of which is in the rohe of Ngāti Mutunga)
  • Moki Conservation Area (3517 ha)
  • Autawa Conservation Area (179ha)
  • Tangitu Conservation Area (522 ha)
There are many scenic reserves in the rohe, including
  • Moki Scenic Reserve
  • Miro Scenic Reserve
  • Uruti Scenic Reserve
  • Mataaro Scenic Reserve
  • Onaero River Scenic Reserve
  • Mirionui Scenic Reserve
  • Pehu Scenic Reserve
These areas are mainly fragmenting of native forest that were protected at the time of land clearance for farming or native logging. Some of these include good stand s of native trees and are valuable habitat for native species. Some include rare or threatened plants.
There is one scientific reserve in the rohe, Mimi (Mimitangiatua) Gorge Scientific Reserve in the lower Mimitangiatua River. This site is of significance because of presence of a rare shrub Brachyglottis turneri.
Most reserves are at risk from stock damage because of the challenges and expense of fencing in steep, erodible papa country, although cliffs protect some sites. They are also vulnerable to weed invasion because they border onto farms or cleared land. These reserves are constantly at risk of damage from possums, goats, pigs and high rat/stoat numbers impacting on the bird life.
A detailed description of each reserve, including its conservation values is included as Appendix 3.
OBJECTIVE
To support and become more involved in work to protect and restore Department of Conservation owned areas.
GENERAL POLICIES
01
Require recognition of the significance of these areas to Ngāti Mutunga
02
Require any development of new Conservation Areas to be carried out in partnership with Ngāti Mutunga
03
Identify options for the sustainable harvest of mahinga kai resources from Conservation Areas
04
Identify options to support iwi involvement in conservation management
05
Discourage the development of further tracks or structures in Conservation Areas other than for the purposes of pest control
06
Require protection of wāhi tapu and sites of significance within Department of Conservation land
07
Encourage collaboration with the community, land owners and other conservation interest groups to protect Conservation Areas
08
Support pest management and species recovery initiatives
CONCESSIONS
A concession is an official authorisation to carry out commercial activities in an area managed by the Department of Conservation. Concessions are required for:
  • accommodation facilities;
  • water, air or land transport services;
  • commercial education or instruction activities;
  • guiding (including fishing, hunting, tramping, walking, climbing/ski tours, kayaking/canoeing);
  • ski fields;
  • attractions (e.g. bungee jumping);
  • services such as shops, tearooms, restaurants, garages, or hire services;
  • grazing;
  • baches;
  • telecommunication facilities;
  • collecting some resources, for example sphagnum moss;
  • filming; and
  • beehives.
Different forms of authorisation are required for mineral exploration, mining, tourism activities involving marine mammals, and to hunt wild animals for commercial gain9.
Concessions will not be granted for activities which compromise natural and historical values or are inconsistent with the values for which the area is managed.
People who obtain a concession must pay a fee for the privilege of obtaining commercial benefits from public land.
There is currently very little commercial activity in the bushland. However, there is scope to develop business opportunities, for example mountain bike tours or guided walks.
9 Department of Conservation, https://www.doc.govt.nz/get-involved/apply-for-permits/business-or-activity/ [Accessed March 2019]
Ngāti Mutunga have an interest in any commercial activity taking place on Conservation land because of our deep historical connection with the area and the potential for commercial activities to infringe on wāhi tapu and sites of significance or cultural values
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
1. Ngāti Mutunga involvement in consideration of applications for concessions
2. Potential for Ngāti Mutunga to develop commercial activities on conservation land
3. Environmental effects of proposed activities, including the cumulative effects of multiple activities in one area (for example wood used for campfires, toilet facilities, increasing access to remote areas)
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
1
Require consultation with Ngāti Mutunga on every application for concessions within our rohe
2
Encourage applicants for concessions to meet kanohi ki te kanohi with Rūnanga representatives to discuss their proposal
3
Identify options for Ngāti Mutunga to develop commercial activities on conservation land
4
Oppose applications for concession activities which may have an adverse effect of the environment or cultural values, including ability to access mahinga kai
5
Require enhancement of conservation values to be given a high weighting in all
6
Require that any concessions affecting Ngāti Mutunga rohe be evaluated by the local DOC office.
7
Oppose use or development of tracks on or near wāhi tapu or sites of significance
8
Support concession activities that support and enhance natural, ecological and cultural values, particularly those activities that include education about responsible tourism and reducing impacts on the environment
9
Encourage monitoring of the effects of concession activities, and require a review of operations if the activity is having an adverse effect on the environment or cultural values
10
Oppose any consessions being issued by DOC for Mounga Taranaki (Egmont National Park) until the current Mounga negotiations are completed.
CULTURAL INTERPRETATION
Tourism operators or other commercial users of conservation land may wish to make reference to the history and culture of Ngāti Mutunga. We support sharing information about our people, beliefs, the land and our history but any such information must be accurate and appropriate. If incorrect or sensitive information is provided it is disrespectful to all of our people, past and present.
This section should be cross referenced with information on Wāhi Ingoa in the Cultural Landscapes and Wāhi Tapu chapter on page 117.
OBJECTIVE
To ensure that any information relating to Ngāti Mutunga is accurate and appropriate.
NGĀ TAKE – ISSUES
Issue 1
The potential for misinformation about Ngāti Mutunga people, beliefs, land and history
Issue 2
Use of te reo and Māori symbols/graphics by non-Māori for commercial benefit
Issue 3
Protection of Ngāti Mutunga pakiwaitara, pūrākau and korero tuku iho (cultural history)
Issue 4
Potential need for resources to enable te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga to provide correct, mandated information
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
01
Require that no interpretation or information relating to Ngāti Mutunga history, values, traditions or beliefs (including place names) be provided to any clients as part of any commercial guiding, filming or interpretation activity unless the interpretation and information is endorsed as appropriate and accurate by te Rūnanga o Ngāti Mutunga
02
Promote understanding that any interpretation and information relating to Ngāti Mutunga is best prepared and delivered by Ngāti Mutunga. If concessionaires seek to use cultural history in their operations, it is recommended that a Ngāti Mutunga representative is employed as part of the concession activity to provide and/or interpret such information
03
Oppose use of te reo and Māori symbols/graphics by non-Māori for commercial benefit
04
Support the installation of interpretive signage explaining Ngāti Mutunga history and connection with the land in appropriate places (for example areas covered by statutory acknowledgements and on Ngāti Mutunga properties), as agreed in consultation with the Rūnanga
05
Identify and encourage development of sources of funding to support the need to provide correct information which has been approved by the Rūnanga
06
Priority
MOUNGA TARANAKI
Mounga Taranaki is of immense cultural and spiritual importance to all iwi in Taranaki. The special relationship between Ngāti Mutunga and Taranaki is acknowledged in the Ngāti Mutunga Deed of Settlement, but no redress has been provided to any iwi in Taranaki in relation to Mounga Taranaki yet.
It is said that Taranaki once lived harmoniously with Ruapehu and Tongariro in the Central Plateau. Then Tongariro and Taranaki both fell in love with the beautiful bush-cloaked Pihanga.
Tongariro was betrothed to Pihanga, but she loved Taranaki. Tongariro and Taranaki quarrelled and after a mighty fight, Taranaki fled towards the coast. Guiding Taranaki was a huge carved stone, named Toka-a-Rauhoto. As they went, Taranaki gouged a great furrow in the land which was later to become the Whanganui River. Whilst
sleeping in his present position, Taranaki was prevented from falling into the sea by a spur from the range of mountains called Pouakai. Only his companion Rauhoto, the stone, can free him...but for now she is content for him to stay. Today the carved stone of Rauhoto can be seen at the Puniho Pā, keeping an eye on the still captive Taranaki, who weeps mist and rain for his lost love, Pihanga.
The mountain has been a powerful influence on the people of Taranaki from the earliest days of occupation and remains so today.
Two historical leaders, Rua Taranaki and Tahurangi enhanced the mana of the Mounga by ascending to its highest peak, lighting the way for Kaitiakitanga. This achievement led to the claim by Rua Taranaki over the Mounga, surrounding lands, rivers and forests, through to the moana. Generations later, a descendant of this leader shared those claims and benefits with the people of the great waka migration. Guiding principles were laid down by those tohunga most skilled in knowledge. Such principles formed a common ancestral ethic in respect of te ao kohatu (the ancient world). From this common ethic the pre-European Tangata Whenua culture evolved.
It created traditions and rituals of human expression encompassing whanaungatanga (family links) in an environment which Tangata Whenua shaped to suit their cultural aspirations. The Mounga has provided many natural resources important to Tangata Whenua for cultural expression, food, medicine and building. The oral recording of specific events helped shape the way Tangata Whenua applied the resources of their surrounding environment and prepared them for the changes in te ao hurihuri (the modern world)10.
The park contains a range of significant plants and animals and provides recreational opportunities for people from the Taranaki region and beyond.
The Mounga is managed as a national park by the Department of Conservation. In the National Parks Act 1980, national parks are defined as "areas of New Zealand that contain scenery of such distinctive quality, ecological systems, or natural features so beautiful, unique, or scientifically important that their preservation is in the national interest".
Management of the park is guided by the Egmont National Park Management Plan, prepared by the Department of Conservation. The vision for this plan is as follows –
Taranaki Te Mounga He tapu! He tapu! He tapu!
The scenery, ecosystems and natural features of Egmont National Park are preserved. The full range of indigenous plants and animals remain and all major animal and weed threats to the park have been eradicated or controlled. The intrinsic worth of the park is recognised. The park is renowned for the preservation of its natural, historic, cultural and landscape values.
Recreation is fostered and tourism allowed where it is not inconsistent with conservation and national park values. The public has freedom of entry and access to the park for inspiration, enjoyment and recreation. The increasing numbers of visitors are aware of how their activities impact on the environment and natural features of the park, and know more about the park's natural, cultural and historic values. The impacts of people on the park are managed effectively and reduced where possible. Land adjacent to the park is managed to protect and enhance the natural, historic and landscape values of the park11.
Policies relating to the use and management of conservation lands generally, as set out in the preceding sections will also apply to the National Park.
This section will be revised at the completion of the Mounga settlement which is currently in progress.
10 Department of Conservation, Egmont National Park Management Plan, February 2002, https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-policies-and-plans/statutory-plans/statutory-plan-publications/national-parkmanagement/egmont-national-park-management-plan/ [Accessed March 2019]
11 Department of Conservation, Egmont National Park Management Plan, February 2002, https://www.doc.govt.nz/about-us/our-policies-and-plans/statutory-plans/statutory-plan-publications/national-parkmanagement/egmont-national-park-management-plan/ [Accessed March 2019]
OBJECTIVE
To work with the Department of Conservation and ngā iwi o Taranaki to protect the cultural and spiritual relationship between tangata whenua and the Mounga.
Ngā Take – Issues
1. Recognition of the significance of Mounga Taranaki to Ngāti Mutunga and all iwi in Taranaki
2. Participation of Ngāti Mutunga in management of the park
3. Potential desecration of cultural values associated with Mounga Taranaki
4. Impacts of tourism and recreation on the Mounga, environment and cultural values of tangata whenua
5. Use of the name "Egmont National Park", which does not provide for the historic relationship of iwi in Taranaki with the Mounga
NGĀ KAUPAPA – POLICIES
01
Provide for all tangata whenua in Taranaki, current and future generations, to access, use and protect Mounga Taranaki, and the history and traditions associated with the mountain
02
Encourage an effective working relationship between Ngāti Mutunga and the Department of Conservation, to address issues such as visitor management, natural resource use and development on conservation land and customary use
03
Require the relationship between Ngāti Mutunga and the Mounga to be recognised and provided for in all management decisions relating to the national park
04
Require that the status of tangata whenua as kaitiaki be recognized by providing opportunities for iwi to play a key role in the identification, protection and management of their cultural and historic heritage within Egmont National Park
05
Support the work of the Department of Conservation in protecting and managing natural and cultural resources within the national park, and identify opportunities for Ngāti Mutunga to support the Department of Conservation in their work
06
Support monitoring and management of the effects of visitors to the park
07
Require renaming of the national park to Taranaki National Park
08
Support and participate alongside Nga Iwi o Taranaki in the current negotiations with the Crown for the Mounga Settlement
WĀHI TAPU
Many sites sacred to Ngāti Mutunga are found in the bushland. Pā and nohoanga sites are scattered through the area, as well as ara tāwhito which linked areas used for living and food gathering.
The issues and policies set out in the Cultural Landscapes and Wāhi Tapu chapter (page 117) will apply to activities in the bushland area and should be read alongside this chapter.