Ngai Tahu Settlement

ATTACHMENT 12.140

TOPUNI FOR KURA TAWITI (CASTLE HILL)

(Clause 12.5)

1

Description of Area

The area over which the Topuni is to be created is the area known as the
Castle Hill Conservation Area, as shown on Allocation Plan MS 14 (SO Plan
19832).

2

Preamble

Pursuant to section [ ] of the Settlement Legislation (clause 12.5.3 of the
Deed of Settlement), the Crown acknowledges Te Runanga's statement of Ngai
Tahu's cultural, spiritual, historic and/or traditional values relating to Kura
Tawhiti (Castle Hill) as set out below.

3

Te Runanga's Statement of Ngai Tahu Values Relating to Area

3.1: Kura Tawhiti (Castle Hill) is located between the Torlesse and Craigieburn
Ranges, in the Broken Hill catchment. The name Kura Tawhiti literally means 'the
treasure from a distant land', and is an allusion to the kumara, an important
food once cultivated in this region. However, Kura Tawhiti was also the name of
one of the tupuna (ancestors) who was aboard the Arai Te Uru canoe when it sank
off Matakaea (Shag Point) in North Otago.
3.2: Kura Tawhiti was one of the mountains claimed by the Ngai Tahu ancestor,
Tane Tiki. Tane Tiki claimed this mountain range for his daughter Hine Mihi
because he wanted the feathers from the kakapo taken in this area to make a
cloak for her.
3.3: For Ngai Tahu, traditions such as this represent the links between the
cosmological world of the Gods and present generations, these histories
reinforce tribal identity and solidarity, and continuity between generations,
and document the events which shaped the environment of Te Wai Pounamu and Ngai
Tahu as an iwi.
3.4: This region was a well used mahinga kai for Kaiapoi Ngai Tahu. The main food
taken from this mountain range was the kiore (polynesian rat). Other foods taken
included tuna (eel), kakapo, weka and kiwi.
3.5: The tupuna had considerable knowledge of whakapapa, traditional trails,
places for gathering kai and other taonga, ways in which to use the resources of
the Kura Tawhiti, the relationship of people with the land and their dependence
on it and tikanga for the proper and sustainable utilisation of resources. All
of these values remain important to Ngai Tahu today.
3.6: Kura Tawhiti was an integral part of a network of trails which were used in
order to ensure the safest journey and incorporated locations along the way that
were identified for activities including camping overnight and gathering kai
(food). Knowledge of these trails continue to be held by whanau and hapu and are
regarded as taonga. The traditional mobile lifestyle of the people led to their
dependence on the resources of the area.
3.7: A particular taonga of Kura Tawhiti are the ancient rock art remnants found
on the rock outcrops. These outcrops provided vital shelters from the elements
for the people in their travels, and they left their artworks behind as a record
of their lives and beliefs. The combination of the long association with these
rock outcrops, and the significance of the artwork on them, give rise to their
tapu status for Ngai Tahu.
3.8: The mauri of Kura Tawhiti represents the essence that binds the physical and
spiritual elements of all things together, generating and upholding all life.
All elements of the natural environment possess a life force, and all forms of
life are related. Mauri is a critical element of the spiritual relationship of
Ngai Tahu Whanui with the area.

4

Specific Principles Relating to Area

The following specific principles are directed at the Minister of
Conservation avoiding harm to, or the diminishing of, the Ngai Tahu Values
related to the Topuni:

(a): Encouragement of respect for Ngai Tahu's association with Kura Tawhiti;
(b): Accurate portrayal of Ngai Tahu's association with Kura Tawhiti; and
(c): Recognition of Ngai Tahu's relationship with wahi tapu and wahi taonga,
including archaeological sites.

5

Actions by the Director-General of Conservation in relation to the
Specific Principles

Pursuant to clause 12.5.10 of the Deed of Settlement, the Director-General
has determined that the following actions will be taken by the Department of
Conservation in relation to the specific principles:

(a)

Encouragement of respect for Ngai Tahu's association with Kura
Tawhiti

Staff, conservation board members, concessionaires and the public will be
provided with information about the Ngai Tahu values and the existence of the
Topuni over Kura Tawhiti;

Educational material will be made available to rock climbers and all rock
climbing guides explaining that, to Ngai Tahu, climbing the rock outcrops
denigrates their tapu status and may damage or destroy rock art remnants;

A review of conditions to be applied generally to new concessions will be
undertaken;

The removal of all rubbish and wastes from Kura Tawhiti will be encouraged;

The Department will ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that it
disposes of waste, particularly human waste, in a way that minimises the risk of
contamination of waterways; and

Te Runanga will be consulted about the siting and design of new huts or other
buildings, and particular regard had to its views.

(b)

Accurate portrayal of Ngai Tahu's association with Kura Tawhiti

The Department will ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that Ngai
Tahu's association with Kura Tawhiti is accurately portrayed in all of its new
public information and interpretative material; and

The Department will consult with Te Runanga in the provision of its new
public information or interpretative material, and as far as reasonably
practicable, will only use Ngai Tahu cultural information with the consent of Te
Runanga.

(c)

Recognition of Ngai Tahu's relationship with wahi tapu and wahi taonga,
including archaeological sites

Significant earthworks and disturbances of soil and/or vegetation will be
avoided wherever possible; and

Where significant earthworks and disturbances of soil and/or vegetation
cannot be avoided, Te Runanga will be consulted and particular regard will be
had to its relevant policies, including those relating to Koiwi Tangata
(unidentified human remains) and Archaeological and Rock Art Sites.

ATTACHMENT 12.141

TOPUNI FOR KAHURANGI, WEST COAST

(Clause 12.5)

1

Description of Area

The area over which the Topuni is to be created is the area known as
Kahurangi, located in Kahurangi National Park, as shown on Allocation Plan MS 21
(SO Plan15490).

2

Preamble

3

Te Runanga's Statement of Ngai Tahu Values Relating to Area

3.1: Kahurangi is a tremendously significant land mark to Ngai Tahu, marking the
extreme north western point of the tribal Takiwa. It is a distinctive and easily
recognisable physical boundary marker. The name 'Kahurangi', which, in full, is
said to be 'Te Kahu o te Rangi' ('the blue skies of Rangi'), refers to the
temperate climate of this part of the coast, which is noted for its clear skies.
3.2: Kahurangi was a natural landing point for seafarers travelling south by
waka, to prepare for the next stage along a section of coastline that had very
few safe anchorages or landing sites. Such tauranga waka (landing places)
represent the intimate knowledge the tupuna (ancestors) had of navigation, river
routes, safe harbours and landing places, and the locations of food and other
resources. The traditional mobile lifestyle of the people led to their
dependence on the resources of the land. Knowledge of these routes and trails
continue to be held by whanau and hapu and are regarded as taonga.
3.3: To Ngai Tahu, Kahurangi is an important expression of the iwi's mana over
the vast tract of land to the south. Its significance in this respect is to be
marked by the construction of a pou whenua (boundary marker). Ngai Tahu have
expended great effort and human sacrifice over many generations to maintain the
security and integrity of their Takiwa.
3.4: The mauri of Kahurangi represents the essence that binds the physical and
spiritual elements of all things together, generating and upholding all life.
All elements of the natural environment possess a life force, and all forms of
life are related. Mauri is a critical element of the spiritual relationship of
Ngai Tahu Whanui with Kahurangi.

4

Specific Principles Relating to Area

The following specific principles are directed at the Minister of
Conservation avoiding harm to, or the diminishing of, the Ngai Tahu Values
related to the Topuni:

(a): Encouragement of respect for Ngai Tahu's association with Kahurangi;
(b): Accurate portrayal of Ngai Tahu's association with Kahurangi; and
(c): Recognition of Ngai Tahu's relationship with wahi tapu and wahi taonga,
including archaeological sites.

5

Actions by the Director-General of Conservation in relation to the
Specific Principles

(a)

Encouragement of respect for Ngai Tahu's association with Kahurangi

Staff, conservation board members, concessionaires and the public will be
provided with information about the Ngai Tahu values and the existence of the
Topuni over Kahurangi;

A review of conditions to be applied generally to new concessions will be
undertaken;

The removal of all rubbish and wastes from Kahurangi will be encouraged;

The Department will ensure, as far as reasonably practicable, that it
disposes of waste, particularly human waste, in a way that minimises the risk of
contamination of waterways; and

Te Runanga will be consulted about the siting and design of new buildings and
structures, and particular regard had to its views.

(b)

Accurate portrayal of Ngai Tahu's association with Kahurangi

The Department will ensure, as far as reasonably practicable that Ngai Tahu's
association with Kahurangi is accurately portrayed in all of its new public
information and interpretative material; and

The Department will consult with Te Runanga in the provision of its new
public information or interpretative material, and as far as reasonably
practicable will only use Ngai Tahu'cultural information with the consent of Te
Runanga.

(c)

Recognition of Ngai Tahu's relationship with wahi tapu and wahi taonga,
including archaeological sites

Significant earthworks and disturbances of soil and/or vegetation will be
avoided wherever possible; and

Where significant earthworks and disturbances of soil and/or vegetation
cannot be avoided, Te Runanga will be consulted and have particular regard will
be had to its relevant policies, including those relating to Koiwi Tangata
(unidentified human remains) and Archaeological and Rock Art Sites.

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