Image: Te Wai ā-Moe, the crater lake on Mt Ruapehu
The name Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika means The Breastmilk of the Fish. It refers to the milky, mineral-rich water that flows from Te Wai ā-moe and feeds the land and nurtures the awa. Just as breastmilk provides immune boosts to babies, Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika provides healing to those who come to her waters.
The ‘fish’ in this case is, of course, Te Ika-a-Māui, the North Island.
Image: Te Wai ā-Moe, the crater lake on Mt Ruapehu
Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika, the Whangaehu River, flows from Te Wai ā-moe, the deep crater lake nestled on top of Maunga Ruapehu, across Te Onetapu, the Rangipō Desert, down through Karioi, Mangamāhu, Kauangaroa, Whangaehu and out to Te Moana-tāpokopoko-a-Tāwhaki, the Tasman Sea. The water that flows from Te Wai ā-moe is unique. Rising out of the volcano, it is rich in minerals that feed the land and the people. The bright blues and milky grey hues of the river display how distinctive this awa is – fed with naturally acidic water infused with minerals from the depths of the volcano, it is one of only a few of its type in the world.
Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika Framework
The Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika Framework was developed to recognise, nurture and protect Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika. It was negotiated as part of Rukutia te Mana, the Ngāti Rangi Claims Settlement Act 2019. It is the responsibility of all iwi and communities of the awa to protect Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika.
The main elements in the Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika Framework are:
Image: Te Wai ā-Moe, the crater lake on Mt Ruapehu
