Hon Dr Michael Cullen
Minister in Charge of Treaty of Waitangi Negotiations

Thursday 4 September 2008 Media Statement

Raukawa, Te Arawa join clean up effort of Waikato River

The Crown today signed an agreement with Raukawa and Te Arawa to provide for the co-management of the Waikato River.

“The agreement between the Raukawa, Te Arawa and the Crown on a co-management framework for the Upper Waikato River is a major step toward ensuring the environmentally sustainable management of the river for all New Zealanders,” Treaty Negotiations Minister, Michael Cullen, said today.

“Te Arawa and Raukawa, along with other river iwi, will become an integral part of the governance and management framework for the river. The agreement will ensure the clean up of the river moves quickly, engages all stakeholders and considers iwi interests adequately for the first time,” Dr Cullen said.

Raukawa and Te Arawa were first brought into the governance arrangements for the river when they became members of the Guardians Establishment Committee established earlier this year to determine a Vision and Strategy for the river. The
The work of this committee is reflected, and built upon, within this agreement.

“The spirit with which Raukawa and Te Arawa have engaged with the Crown to develop a framework that will clean up and manage the Waikato River for future generations is a very positive sign for both the river and our nation.”

“Negotiations on this agreement began earlier this year and have moved at a fast pace to reach the agreement today,” Dr Cullen said.

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Background information - Raukawa and Te Arawa Co-Management Agreement

The agreement makes provision for Raukawa and Te Arawa to provide for co-management of the Waikato River.

It is intended that this agreement is consistent with similar arrangements for other River Iwi which have been, or are being, negotiated with the Crown and the provisions of the agreement are consistent with those in the agreement with Waikato-Tainui.

Raukawa and Te Arawa will be members of a statutory entity along with members appointed by the Crown (to represent community interests). The Board will have responsibility for co- management of the upper Waikato River from Huka Falls to Karapiro.

Raukawa and Te Arawa are already represented on the governance body for the river, the Guardians of the Waikato River. Both iwi took part in the public consultation process run by the Guardians Establishment Committee earlier this year to determine a vision and strategy for the river.

The agreement includes funding of $30m each for the two iwi to allow them to participate in the co-management arrangements. The funding will be paid as a $3m lump sum and $1m per iwi per year for 28 years.

The agreement also includes:

• The opportunity to develop an integrated management plan for the Upper Waikato to co-ordinate the work of the agencies and the regulatory frameworks involved in the management of the upper river.
• The ability to create iwi management plans for which regulatory decision-makers must take these into account.
• The opportunity to develop Regulations for the Upper Waikato River and its catchment for the management of fisheries, flora and fauna within and along the upper Waikato River and its catchments..

The details of these arrangements will be included in a final Deed of Settlement.

As part of the settlements with River Iwi, including the current agreement, the Crown agreed to establish a clean up fund to restore the health and well being of the Waikato River. The Waikato River Clean Up Trust will receive a minimum Crown contribution of $7m per year for 30 years. Raukawa and Te Arawa will take part in the allocation of that fund through the Guardians of the Waikato River that will appoint the trustees of the Clean Up Trust.

For a summary of this and other relevant agreements see For a summary of this and other relevant agreements see www.ots.govt.nz

ENDS

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