(TAKUTAI MOANA) BILL E kau I te wai e, e kau I te wa

And like other cultures, we as Maori have values, traditions and
experiences that shape our views of the world, as well as laws which
govern our respective communities, this is summarised within this quote;
Matauranga Maori is essentially a system of knowledge and understanding
about Maori beliefs relating to creation and the relationship between atua
(supernatural guardians) and tangata (mankind). This relationship or
whakapapa (genealogy) determines the way people behave in the context of
their environmental ethical practices. Understanding Maori beliefs, values and
the relationship of those to the natural world requires an understanding of
traditional expressions including those portrayed in waiata (song) and pepeha
(proverbs). 2
The whakatauki and pepeha which I have used on page 1 of this
submission are expressions of my beliefs, values, and relationship to the
natural world. In order to come to grips with this you must recognise
that Maori concepts rarely correspond exactly with those Western
concepts which they appear to resemble. Deviations are usually present
and even if it appears that the reference is to a large extent the same,
there will be significant differences in the connotations.
Before arguing why I oppose the Takutai Moana Bill in its current status, I
will give an account of my memories, associations, and relationship with
the takutai moana by referring primarily to Te Awanui and the connecting
waterways which feed this large expanse of foreshore and seabed.
Let me first of all say that, in growing up at a very early age, I became
very, very, familiar with our moana – Te Awanui. I can still recall the days
that were spent in gathering kaimoana. I would be asked to hitch up the
horses to the gig, and we would head out to Te Awanui for the purpose of
gathering kaimoana.
In those days Te Awanui was a huge basket for the needs of our people.
There was so much to offer; shellfish of all descriptions such as the
tūangi, pipi, kukuroroa, pupu, titiko, kūtai, kina, paua, and not to
mention, throwing a line into the channel to catch fish. Particularly, the
kahawai, trevally, pioke, herring and the flounders – yes a huge food
basket.
2 Environmental Risk Management Authority, “Incorporating Maori Perspectives in Part V
Decision Making” (ERMA New Zealand Policy Series: Protocol 1. November 2004). Retrieved from
http://www.erma.govt.nz)
2