Attend TToTW Case Hearings Ngāi Tahu Trial – Wai Māori Important Dates + summaries for weeks 1 & 2
He oranga whenua, he oranga wai, he organa tangata
Kia ora,
We now have the dates for the opening of the Tātau Tātau case. If you live in the Ōtautahi area, we invite you to attend court on the Monday, Tuesday & the court address. If you can’t make it in person, no worries! You can watch the livestream to show your support.
Tātau Tātau Case Dates
Court opens at 10am and closes at 5pm each day. The dates are:
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Opening: Monday 10th March 2025
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Closing: Tuesday 11th March 2025
Live stream
Please contact your local kāhui for the live stream link.
Summary of Recent Proceedings
Week 1 Summary
Ngāi Tahu asked the High Court to make declarations regarding their pūtake-maunga/rangatiratanga entitlements to wai māori, arguing that current freshwater legislation restricts their rangatiratanga and that the Crown should collaborate with Ngāi Tahu to develop a system that respects their rights. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa is also involved, seeking similar declarations for wai māori within their rohe. The High Court hearing will continue until early April. The first week included mihi and karakia, followed by opening submissions from Ngāi Tahu’s lawyers outlining their claim, the history of wai māori degradation, and Crown failures. Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa also presented their submission, highlighting their separate claim. The Crown and Federated Farmers presented their positions, with the Crown arguing that Ngāi Tahu's claim infringes on parliamentary sovereignty. The week concluded with the testimony of Prof. Rawiri Te Maire Tau, Ngāi Tahu's Ūpoko, who is being cross-examined.
Week 2 Summary
During week 2 at the Ngāi Tahu Wai Māori hearing, evidence continued with a focus on areas including Moeraki, Arowhenua, Arahura, Murihiku, and Wairewa. Ngāi Tahu presented cultural mapping projects showing traditional places and the degradation of their waterways, alongside historical testimonies about their claim history and Crown relations. Local engineers and experts shared insights into regeneration efforts at Lake Forsyth and rivers within various regions, while discussions also highlighted the impact of industrial pollution on Murihiku's waterways. The week concluded with evidence on Wairewa Lake's restoration efforts and ongoing Ngāi Tahu work to protect and revive their natural resources.
Closing Message
A huge ngā mihi to all who have attended and supported the Ngāi Tahu Freshwater Trial so far. The summation for this week will be posted soon, so make sure you keep an eye out on facebook. If you have any questions around attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
Lewis Ratapu
Pou Ahurei | Chief Executive Officer
Tātau Tātau o Te Wairoa