Guardianship over Ngāti Whātua land, air and sea
Kaitiakitanga
Kaitiakitanga refers to the ethical practice of protecting and preserving the natural environment and the resources that sustain our people. Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua has a responsibility to care for the lands and waters to which we whakapapa: ‘Hua’ - land-based activities and ‘Tai’ - marine-based activities.
Dome Valley Landfill (Wayby)
HUA: Since 2019, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Whātua have strongly opposed the development given the devastating environmental impacts and significant ongoing risks to the sustainability and mauri of the Hoteo River, Kaipara moana and the broader environment.
In May 2025, we made the difficult decision to withdraw opposition from the legal process.
We did not reach this decision lightly. It came after weighing up:
· An independent peer-reviewed report that found the consent could not be declined on the grounds of leachate or environmental risk alone
· The high and ongoing legal costs we would continue to face – especially if we lost
· The limited influence remaining through litigation
Te Topū Ika o Ngāti Whātua
TAI: In 2006, the Rūnanga established Te Topū Ika o Ngāti Whātua to receive fishing and aquaculture assets under the Treaty of Waitangi Fisheries Settlement Act, and Aquaculture Settlement Act. Ngāti Whātua Fisheries, a subsidiary of the Rūnanga, manages these combined assets.