Kai Tahu Perspective

"Mauri
Giving recognition to the importance of the mauri of all waters is central to the concept and practice of kaitiakitanga* from which stems the responsibility and authority to seek maintenance and, where required, improvement of the mauri for all water bodies. The mauri or life force of water is sacred, a value that originates from the dawning of time, and is a link to the very source of tribal creation traditions. A water body with an intact mauri will sustain healthy ecosystems, support mahika kai, provide resource use options and be a source of pride and identity to the people. Culturally, water is regarded with both respect and as a tool to be utilised in a way that does not detrimentally modify the mauri that has sustained successive generations..."

source: Otago Water Plan