As Aotearoa marks Waitangi Day, we are reminded that Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a founding document of national significance that affirms the rights, protections, and privileges enjoyed by all who live in Aotearoa.

But with those rights come responsibilities.

The Wai Manawa Whenua case, recently heard in the courts and now awaiting the Judges’ decision, speaks directly to those responsibilities we have as Kaitiaki which to date have been ignored by the Crown. At its heart, this is a case about water, the health and wellbeing of the waterways that sustain all life, all communities, and future generations.

Wai is a taonga, not simply a commodity, and the way it is cared for affects us all.

“The Wai Manawa Whenua case is about reminding the nation that with the benefits we enjoy under Te Tiriti comes an obligation to protect the things that sustain us,” says Kingi Smiler, Chairman of Wai Manawa Whenua. “Our waterways are under pressure, and if we fail to act collectively now, we fail the generations that come after us.”

Te Tiriti o Waitangi was never intended to divide people. It is inclusive and unifying, recognising shared rights alongside shared duties. Ongoing water degradation, ‘first in, first served’ allocation models, and decision-making that excludes Māori perspectives undermine both the spirit and intent of Te Tiriti.

“We all have a role as kaitiaki and stewards of Aotearoa,” says Mr Smiler. “This is not just an issue for Māori, it is a responsibility for all of us. It is important that Māori are not excluded from decision-making of our waterways indeed, this is affirmed by Te Tiriti.”

Waitangi Day is a time to reflect not only on the rights Te Tiriti affirms, but on the responsibilities it places on us all. Wai Manawa Whenua calls on the Prime Minister the Hon Christopher Luxton and his government and communities alike to stand united, to stop the degradation of our waterways, and to honour our role as kaitiaki of water.

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