Bill Bayfield - Incorporating Te Ao Māori from the outset - Establishing Taumata Arowai

In this presentation, Bill Bayfield focuses on the integration of water services legislation with Resource Management Act (RMA) reforms, emphasising the importance of aligning these frameworks to avoid gaps. The key principle guiding this integration is Te Mana o te Wai, which prioritises the health of water, followed by human uses and cultural considerations. Bill speaks of historical mismanagement, challenges of water delivery and registration and some of the crucial components of the integration such as the role of Te Puna, an advisory body, in shifting decision-making towards relationship-building with local communities