Wastewater Treatment Arrangements that Respond to Māori Values
A comprehensive report exploring how wastewater treatment can honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi and integrate mātauranga Māori for sustainable environmental outcomes across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Explore Key Insights
Report at a Glance: Key Findings
This report highlights critical insights into integrating Māori values and mātauranga Māori into wastewater management across Aotearoa New Zealand.
Purpose
Guiding Taumata Arowai in developing wastewater standards that respect and integrate Māori values.
Case Studies
Six case studies reveal varied approaches but consistent themes of cultural respect and environmental stewardship.
Main Insights
  • Early, meaningful engagement is crucial.
  • Preference for land-based discharge.
  • Highest treatment standards are essential.
  • Collaborative governance leads to success.
Breakthrough
Gisborne’s mortuary waste bylaw is the first of its kind in New Zealand, setting a new precedent.
Future Direction
Balancing national standards with localized, at-place decision-making that honors mātauranga Māori.
Executive Summary
The Water Services Authority - Taumata Arowai is developing wastewater environmental performance standards that integrate Māori values and perspectives. Through engagement with mana whenua and local councils, six comprehensive case studies were developed covering Gisborne, Taipā, Rotoiti-Rotomā, Cambridge, Pukekohe and Porirua wastewater treatment plants.
Cultural Foundation
Tikanga Māori recognized as the first law of Aotearoa, guiding protection of natural resources including water as taonga
Tapu and Noa
Wastewater must undergo whakanoa process before reintegration into environment, requiring land-based treatment
Collaborative Solutions
Meaningful engagement leads to innovative treatment technologies and improved environmental outcomes
The case studies demonstrate varied experiences across different locations - urban and rural, large and small populations, with different environmental considerations and treatment options. These insights are being used to guide development of new national wastewater standards.
Te Ao Māori Perspectives on Wastewater Management
Tikanga and Mātauranga Māori Foundations
The Supreme Court has recognized tikanga as the first law of Aotearoa New Zealand, guiding how iwi and hapū navigated natural resource use and environmental responsibilities. Mātauranga Māori embodies the various hapū and iwi knowledge systems developed through observation and interaction with the natural environment.
Water is widely accepted as a taonga possessing mauri. Māori have special relationships with water based on whakapapa with ancestral rivers, streams, coasts and oceans. These relationships create obligations to care for and protect the mauri of water through kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.
The wellbeing of water, people and environment is interconnected. Māori adopt a holistic, whole-of-catchment approach - ki uta ki tai (from mountains to sea) - that is long-term and intergenerational.

Key Principle: Only hapū and iwi can be experts of their own tikanga and mātauranga, as these practices are developed at place through generations of connection to specific environments.
Core Tikanga Concepts in Wastewater Management
Mana
Authority, power and control inherited or attained through whakapapa. Upheld through tikanga practices and can be reduced if tikanga is not followed.
Rangatiratanga
Right of groups to exercise authority over their own affairs. Each hapū and iwi have distinct authority to set processes for natural resource use and protection.
Mauri
Spiritual life essence imbued in all things. The mauri of water provides strong indicators of environmental health and wellbeing.
Kaitiakitanga
Obligations and responsibilities to care for and protect the mauri of water and wider environment, expressed through guardianship practices.
"A body part of a living person is tapu. Excreta is tapu... There is no problem in terms of Māori customary laws with the return of excreta or body parts to Papatūānuku... What is abhorrent is the idea of associating biosolids with the food chain." - Hirini Moko Mead
Legislative Framework Evolution
1
Early Settlement Era
Waste typically treated on-site or disposed in city outskirts. Reticulated systems developed in early 1900s, disposing untreated wastewater into streams and rivers - conflicting with tikanga approaches.
2
1950s-1970s
Public health concerns prompted legislative action. Water and Soil Conservation Act 1967 introduced permits for wastewater discharge. Government subsidies funded infrastructure including outfalls into freshwater bodies.
3
Late 1970s-1980s
Māori firmly opposed discharge practices, leading to earliest Waitangi Tribunal claims highlighting adverse effects on wāhi tapu and mahinga kai.
4
Resource Management Act 1991
Marked new approach with stringent environmental controls and greater Māori participation in resource management processes.
5
Recent Developments
Strengthening of Te Mana o Te Wai, National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management 2020, and establishment of Taumata Arowai reflect shift toward holistic water management.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi and Treaty Settlements
Constitutional Foundation
Te Tiriti o Waitangi affirms Māori rights and interests in New Zealand. Courts have identified Treaty Principles including partnership, participation, and active protection, envisaging meaningful Māori involvement in decision-making.
Following Crown failures to uphold Te Tiriti obligations, Treaty settlement processes provide redress mechanisms contained in settlement legislation, creating bespoke arrangements for natural resource management.
Innovative Settlement Examples
  • Te Ture Whaimana o Te Awa o Waikato: Vision and strategy for Waikato River restoration with Joint Management Agreements
  • Te Awa Tupua: Recognizes Whanganui River as legal person with indivisible living whole status

Partnership Principle: Te Tiriti partnership has enduring implications for wastewater management, requiring Māori interests in water as taonga are recognized and safeguarded.
Resource Management Act Framework
The RMA promotes sustainable management of natural and physical resources, with Part 2 requiring recognition of Māori relationships with lands, waters, sites, wāhi tapu and other taonga.
1
Consenting Process
Resource consents required for most wastewater discharges. Best practice involves early, meaningful engagement with mana whenua and affected communities.
2
Best Practicable Option
Most effective method for preventing or minimizing adverse environmental effects, considering environmental sensitivity, financial implications, and technical feasibility.
3
Mana Whenua Involvement
No standardized process exists, but mechanisms like Joint Management Agreements and iwi planning documents assist with early-stage involvement.
The Akaroa WWTP exemplifies how mana whenua involvement in Best Practicable Option determination led to land-based wastewater treatment, with high-level governance arrangements facilitating cultural input alongside technical requirements.
Te Mana o te Wai
Te Mana o te Wai refers to the fundamental importance of water, drawing on tikanga and mātauranga approaches to freshwater management. It recognizes the mana and mauri of water and the relationship between water and mana whenua.
1
2
3
1
Water Health First
Health and wellbeing of water bodies and freshwater ecosystems
2
People's Health Second
Health needs of people
3
Community Wellbeing Third
Social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the community
Te Mana o te Wai sets out six principles relating to mana whenua and community roles in freshwater management, including mana whakahaere (power of tangata whenua to make decisions), kaitiakitanga and manaakitanga.

Regional councils must include objectives describing how freshwater management will give effect to Te Mana o te Wai locally, developed through active involvement with mana whenua and community engagement.
Mechanisms for Mana Whenua Involvement
Joint Management Agreements
Enable iwi authorities and local authorities to jointly manage natural resources. Example: Ngāti Tūwharetoa and Taupō District Council agreement granting equal statutory decision-making power.
Mana Whakahono ā Rohe
Structured approach for councils and iwi to formalize tangata whenua involvement in RMA decision-making processes. Five arrangements currently in effect.
Iwi Management Plans
Planning documents articulating iwi policies and aspirations for natural resource management. Local authorities required to "take into account" when developing plans.
Cultural Impact Assessments
Document Māori values, interests and connections to areas or resources, and potential impacts of proposed activities on these aspects.
These mechanisms range from iwi planning documents articulating values and priorities to joint-management arrangements of natural resources, providing various tools to strengthen Māori participation in resource management processes.
Case Study
Gisborne WWTP: A first for Aotearoa
The Gisborne Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) provides a significant example of how cultural values and collaborative engagement can profoundly influence infrastructure development and environmental management in New Zealand. This detailed case study highlights the journey towards a more culturally sensitive and environmentally sound wastewater discharge solution.
Coastal Location & Cultural Significance
The Gisborne WWTP discharges treated wastewater into the ocean via an outfall at Turanganui a Kiwa (Poverty Bay), an area of immense cultural and historical significance to local iwi, particularly Rongowhakaata and Ngai Tāmanuhiri. This coastal setting meant that any discharge directly impacted traditional food gathering areas and the spiritual essence (mauri) of the marine environment.
Mana Whenua Advocacy
Ngāti Porou and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, along with other mana whenua, expressed deep concerns about the historical and ongoing impacts of wastewater discharge on Turanganui a Kiwa. Their advocacy centered on the principle of kaitiakitanga and the need to protect the health and mauri of the moana. This led to extensive dialogue during the consent process.
Innovative Consent Outcome: Mortuary Waste Bylaw
A key outcome of the extensive engagement was the advocacy for and subsequent inclusion of a condition for a mortuary waste separation bylaw in the new consent. Mana whenua highlighted specific cultural concerns related to the discharge of mortuary waste into the general wastewater stream, emphasizing its tapu (sacred) nature. This unique condition demonstrated a direct influence of cultural values on regulatory policy, leading to improved water quality and cultural respect.
Treatment Technology & Environmental Monitoring
The plant employs a biological trickling filter system followed by UV disinfection, designed to achieve a high level of treatment before discharge. Beyond standard environmental monitoring, the new consent established a robust cultural health monitoring program for Waiōhiharore, developed in collaboration with mana whenua. This program tracks key indicators of ecological and cultural well-being, reflecting a shift towards integrated monitoring approaches.
Collaborative Approach & Future Outcomes
The Gisborne case study underscores the importance of genuine collaboration. The open dialogue between the Gisborne District Council, Rongowhakaata, Ngai Tāmanuhiri, Ngāti Porou, and Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki facilitated a consent outcome that was both technically sound and culturally acceptable. This collaborative model has set a precedent for future resource management projects in the region, demonstrating that addressing specific cultural concerns leads to more holistic and sustainable environmental solutions.
Historic Achievement: Gisborne's Mortuary Waste Bylaw - A First for Aotearoa
First of its Kind
In July 2021, Gisborne District Council passed the Trade Waste Bylaw 2021, becoming the first council in New Zealand to ban mortuary waste from entering the public wastewater system.
Championed by Kiwa Advisory Group
The bylaw was championed by the Kiwa advisory group, led by Ian Ruru, who called it a "respect and dignity bylaw".
Addressing Cultural Concerns
Mortuary waste (arterial blood and embalming chemicals) was deemed "culturally abhorrent" by tangata whenua when discharged into Tūranganui a Kiwa/Poverty Bay.
Innovative Disposal Solution
The solution involves trucking mortuary waste to Taruheru Cemetery for disposal through a Wisconsin mound system.
Decades of Mana Whenua Advocacy
This achievement represents decades of advocacy by mana whenua and demonstrates practical implementation of Te Mana o te Wai principles.
Nationally Significant Precedent
Ian Ruru noted this was "nationally significant milestone" and expected other regions to follow.
Aligned with Water Reform
The timing coincided with the government's Three Waters reform announcement, highlighting Gisborne's proactive approach to cultural water protection.
"I acknowledge the many that have driven this kāupapa over the decades and the significance of the outcome that respects the dignity of our deceased and protects Te Mana o te Wai."
Ian Ruru, Chairman of the Kiwa Group.
This group is comprised of representatives from Te Rūnanga o Tūranganui-a-Kiwa, Te Aitanga-a-Māhaki, Ngāi Tāmanuhiri, Te Whānau-a-Kai, Ngā Ariki Kaipūtahi, Ngāti Oneone, Ngati Porou and the GDC.
GDC partnered with the KIWA Group to support this engagement. Tikanga and mauri were key discussion points throughout this consultation, and the KIWA Group used previous reports and the Mauri Compass.
The Mauri Compass is an environmental assessment tool to measure the effects on wastewater overflows on mana whenua, the whenua and the Māori customary rights and practices.
Key Insights: At-Place Decision Making
Local Expertise and Authority
Engagement showed strong preference for 'at-place' decision-making ensuring mana whenua within catchments are involved in decisions affecting them. This approach upholds the mana of hapū and iwi as appropriate groups for decision-making and recognizes their role as experts of their own mātauranga and tikanga.
There is inherent tension between at-place decision-making and national standard setting. At-place decision-making is not always effective, often due to lack of early meaningful engagement and inadequate resourcing. Power imbalances at decision-making tables can prevent mana whenua voices being heard.
National Standards Benefits
A national approach to minimum standards should support high levels of wastewater treatment while reducing engagement costs and providing certainty. Mana whenua engagement remains critical when identifying appropriate standard levels and ensuring local tikanga and mātauranga inform implementation.

Balance Required: How can national standards support consistent high-quality treatment while preserving essential at-place decision-making that honors local mātauranga?
Environmental Protection and Treatment Standards
Environmental protection is paramount in wastewater treatment processes. Many mana whenua groups have objectives to restore or protect 'te mauri o te wai' and avoid further environmental pollution or degradation.
100%
Treatment Standard
Mana whenua aspire for highest possible standard of treatment at point of discharge at all times, regardless of discharge location
6
Case Studies
All case studies highlighted need for stringent standards and innovative technology addressing environmental issues
35
Years Maximum
Resource consent duration, though mana whenua prefer shorter periods (5 years) for regular performance review
Case study examples highlighted that where wastewater treatment proposals identified stringent standards or used technology addressing environmental issues, mana whenua were more likely to support resource consents. The Cambridge WWTP exemplifies this with highest possible water quality discharge requirements.
Mana whenua seek active participation in all phases of wastewater management - from WWTP design and consenting through to monitoring and enforcement. The Cambridge case study highlights benefits of this approach, while Taipā and Rotoiti-Rotomā demonstrate negative implications of failing to collaborate proactively.
Discharge to Water: Cultural Perspectives
As a first principle, Māori do not support discharge of wastewater into freshwater and prefer land discharge solutions. This position was confirmed through all case study engagement, viewed as culturally inappropriate and inconsistent with local tikanga.
01
Cultural Foundation
Wastewater is inherently tapu and must undergo whakanoa process before safe environmental integration. Direct discharge to water is culturally abhorrent.
02
Land Passage Requirement
Contact with land prior to discharge essential to avoid negative cultural or spiritual impacts. Land passage enables natural purification and whakanoa process.
03
Pragmatic Solutions
Where land-based discharge not feasible, mana whenua work with authorities to find culturally responsive solutions respecting tikanga and mātauranga.
04
Innovative Approaches
Cambridge and Taipā case studies involved land passage to naturally purify wastewater. Gisborne supported constructed wetland for natural treatment.

Mortuary Waste: The discharge of mortuary waste into wastewater networks is considered absolutely abhorrent to tangata whenua, being the most tapu form of wastewater discharge requiring complete separation.
Innovative Technologies and Solutions
Electro-Coagulation
Taipā WWTP uses EC technology for land discharge. Benefits include lower costs, energy usage, minimal maintenance, and sludge minimization enabling sustainable solutions.
Membrane Bioreactor
Rotoiti-Rotomā and Cambridge WWTPs use MBR with UV disinfection. Modern, effective technology designed to minimize environmental impacts.
Greywacke Waterfall
Cambridge WWTP uses local greywacke for 'mauri-fying' discharge. Rock waterfall enables cultural process before water entry.
On-Site Treatment
Rotoiti-Rotomā implements pre-treatment systems reducing overflow impacts and preventing raw sewerage transfer across hapū boundaries.
Collaborative approaches with mana whenua support improved wastewater management through innovative technology adoption. However, concerns exist about high costs of 'gold-plated' technology when cost-effective alternatives achieve same outcomes.
Financial Considerations
Financial barriers can prevent land-based discharge adoption due to land acquisition costs. The greater the population serviced, the greater the land requirement and associated costs.
Treatment Standards
High levels of treatment required for both water-based and land-based discharge. Standards must be stringent regardless of discharge method to meet mana whenua aspirations.
Future Directions and Recommendations
The development of wastewater environmental performance standards by Taumata Arowai represents a significant opportunity to integrate Māori values and perspectives into wastewater management in Aotearoa New Zealand.
Meaningful Partnerships
High-quality engagement and strong relationships with mana whenua essential for culturally appropriate and environmentally sustainable solutions
Adequate Resourcing
Critical investment required to ensure iwi and hapū can engage effectively with councils and stakeholders, alongside technical support
Mātauranga Monitoring
Integration of cultural health indicators and mātauranga-based monitoring frameworks providing richer environmental understanding
Technology Innovation
Continued development of cost-effective technologies supporting land-based discharge and circular economy approaches
Community Education
Broader community involvement and education critical for holistic catchment-level environmental protection
National Standards
Development of standards incorporating learnings to support improved environmental and cultural outcomes reflecting interconnected health
Incorporating these learnings into development of new national standards will support improved environmental and cultural outcomes reflecting the interconnected health and wellbeing of people and waterbodies. This holistic approach will honor Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and foster collaborative pathways toward healthier, more resilient wastewater management for all communities in Aotearoa New Zealand.
The journey toward culturally responsive wastewater management requires ongoing commitment to partnership, innovation, and respect for mātauranga Māori as we work together to restore the mauri of our waters.