Our Whenua
Our Story
“The long occupation of Whakatōhea is written into the landscape in the form of cultivations, kāinga, pā and urupā. The hītori and whakapapa of Whakatōhea are grounded in the whenua, and the landscapes carries many names that in turn reflect their history.”
— Te Makeotanga 2023 | Deed of Settlement for Historical Claims between Whakatōhea and the Crown
The land beneath us holds its own story.
Our manga, awa, coastlines and the living systems that surround them have shaped Whakatōhea for generations - and continue to shape us today. Across our rohe, the footprints of our tīpuna remain written into the landscape through pā sites, kāinga, urupā, waterways and places of cultural significance.
This space has been created to share information, stories, and insights about our taiao while strengthening the connection between our people and the natural world around us.
By bringing together environmental knowledge, cultural understanding and the voices of our communities, we hope to support informed decision-making, encourage curiosity, and uphold our collective responsibility as kaitiaki for future generations.
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea recognises the importance of protecting and upholding the environmental, cultural and intergenerational interests of our iwi.
As kaitiaki of our whenua, wai and taonga, we may participate in resource management processes where proposed activities may impact areas of cultural, environmental or historical significance to Whakatōhea.
This includes activities relating to:
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Freshwater and coastal environments
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Land use and development
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Earthworks and infrastructure
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Discharges to land, air or water
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Biodiversity and habitat impacts
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Wāhi tapu and culturally significant sites
Early engagement with Whakatōhea is encouraged to support meaningful consultation, identify potential cultural or environmental considerations, and help inform project planning from the outset.
Applicants are asked to provide relevant information relating to the proposed activity, location, duration, potential effects and any mitigation measures being considered.
Please allow reasonable timeframes for review and response, depending on the scale and complexity of the proposal.
Te Tāwharau o Te Whakatōhea recognises the importance of protecting and upholding the cultural, environmental and customary interests connected to our whenua, wai and taonga.
Certain activities may require engagement with Whakatōhea where access, use, occupation or activity is proposed within areas of environmental or cultural significance.
This process supports respectful engagement and partnership for activities such as:
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Environmental or ecological research
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Tourism or visitor activities
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Filming and photography
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Commercial operations
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Temporary or long-term land access
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Marine or coastal activities
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Conservation and restoration projects
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Infrastructure or utility access arrangements
Early engagement is encouraged to ensure cultural values, environmental considerations and potential impacts are understood from the outset.
Applicants are asked to provide clear information relating to the proposed activity, duration, location and any environmental or cultural considerations relevant to the request.
Please allow reasonable timeframes for review depending on the scale and complexity of the proposal.
