Since its arrival to Aotearoa (New Zealand), Waikato-Tainui have held dominion over lands and waters in the upper section of central North Island. This area includes the Country’s longest and most commercially dependent River. However, after the ‘New Zealand land wars’ of the 1860’s, the Crown unjustly confiscated over 1.2 million acres of Waikato-Tainui lands. The lands were subsequently drained and converted for horticultural and agricultural purposes, whilst the River was dammed for energy generation, irrigation and now supplies water to many communities and two cities, including Auckland, our largest city. 

In 1995, Waikato-Tainui settled an historic land settlement package with the Crown, but left the tough conversation of redress for the Waikato River for the next generation. Therefore, in 2008, Waikato-Tainui negotiated co-management arrangements through the Treaty Settlement process to restore and protect the health and well-being of the Waikato River for future generations.

Along with many other co-management agreements, the tribe has further developed integrated tools that incorporate traditional practices which provides for cultural activities in freshwater fisheries. With the assistance of respective agencies, the tribe established freshwater regulations and bylaws, in conjunction with significant research to recognise the tribes aspirations and achieve the purpose of the settlement. Julian will provide a snapshot of the health of the River in the eyes of the tribe, share the experiences of integrated management and priorities for the next generations in consideration of balancing the expectations of the community and commercial partners.