Te Punga Tupua is one person, appointed by the iwi of Te Waiū, to be a voice for the river at the highest levels. They have a direct relationship with the Crown on behalf of Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika. In particular, their job is to talk directly with Ministers if Te Mana Tupua and Ngā Toka Tupua are not being properly implemented, or if there is an ‘imminent and irreversible threat to the health and well-being of Te Waiū-o-Te-Ika’. The specific ministers are the Ministers for the Environment, Conservation and Fisheries.

 

The name Te Punga Tupua comes from Te Punga-o-ngā-rangi, the sacred connection between the heavens and the earth, which centres on Matua-te-Mana, Mount Ruapehu. The tupua in Te Punga Tupua connects Te Punga Tupua through to Te Pou Tupua o Te Awa Tupua.

 

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