The achievement of kaitiakitanga, where tangāta whenua are involved in active protection of natural and physical resources is an objective of all of Environment Canterbury’s biodiversity work. 

As Mana Whenua, Ngāi Tahu are a key partner to the Canterbury Biodiversity Strategy. As a significant landowner, they are key contributors to both the Regional Pest Management Strategy that includes pests that threaten indigenous biodiversity, and to the Wilding Conifers Programme.

The Immediate Steps biodiversity protection and enhancement programme involves Ngāi Tahu rūnanga in identifying sites and areas that hold existing mahinga kai (traditional food sources), wāhi tapu (sacred sites) and wāhi taonga (treasured places) values that require protection or enhancement. Each Canterbury Water Management zone committee is advised by both biodiversity specialists and rūnanga, who work together to identify potential biodiversity projects.

Maori values and the natural environment

Kaitiakitanga – guardianship of the natural environment.

Rangitiratanga – leadership

Wāhi Taonga – sacret treasures

Mahinga Kai - traditional food and other resources and the natural areas that they are sourced from.