Beach board a model for the future?

The Te Oneroa-a-Tohe Beach Board, which is soon to be enacted in legislation, will be a first for New Zealand, and perhaps a model for the future both here and overseas, according to Te Runanga o Te Rarawa chairman Haami Piripi.

The challenge of achieving a balance between the rights and interests of an indigenous population and the general citizenship had vexed jurisdictions for countless years, he said, but in Te Hiku o Te Ika a formula had been formed, one that had been supported and indeed co-designed by central and local government, and led out by the iwi associated with the beach and its surrounds.

It was a model that challenged both Treaty partners to step up and contribute towards a common objective - the health of the beach.

"For the first time in its history the beach is to have its own management plan that incorporates a conservation focus that will have a historical and cultural korowai wrapped around it," Mr Piripi said.

"It will also be the first time the presence and importance of Te Arawairua, the ancient spirit path of tangata whenua, will be recognised and protected by law.

"This model, thrashed out during negotiations between iwi and the Crown, will not be easy to implement," he added however.

"As a joint committee of both the Northland Regional and Far North District councils, and permanently chaired by an iwi representative, it will rely greatly upon the ability of these councils to adequately administer the governance board and work in adherence with tikanga Maori.

"It also challenges iwi to collaborate with themselves and other government-appointed board members to address the needs of the beach."

Te Rarawa had already appointed Mr Piripi as its representative to the board, his focus to date having been on facilitating a process by which the other iwi representatives could be brought on board.

"Once legislation has been passed the board will be legally recognised as the kaitiaki body for the beach, from mean highwater out to the 12-mile limit," he said.

"This is a very significant initiative for the management of a coastal marine area, and may well provide the new benchmark for shared governance arrangements over natural resources and land use.

"We shall have to wait and see how the institutional arrangements develop over time, but with a newfound sense of respect for each other as Treaty partners, and a good measure of goodwill, we should be able to get the balance right and blaze a new trail for resource management that truly reflects the past, present and future of an iconic taonga like 90 Mile beach, or Te Oneroa-a-Tohe.

"Kia kaha, kia maia, kia manawanui."