TE ARAWA RIVER IWI TRUST (TARIT).
We represent the interests of the three Te Arawa River Iwi located within the Upper Waikato River catchment area, those iwi are;
Ngāti Tahu-Ngāti Whaoa,
Ngāti Kearoa-Ngāti Tuarā,
Tuhourangi-Ngāti Wāhiao.
OUR VISION
To support Te Arawa River Iwi collectively and individually to assert mana awa and improve the health and wellbeing of the Waikato river, tributaries and environs.
OUR MISSION
Asserting our Mana whenua, Kaitiakitanga, Ahi Kā and Mana whakahaere to restore the health and well being of the Waikato river, tributaries and environs.
OUR ASPIRATIONS ARE TO REJUVENATE AND RESTORE THE MAURI OF THE WAIKATO RIVER, TO BE PROGRESSIVE AND INNOVATIVE IN OUR APPROACH, TO WORK COLLABORATIVELY, AND TO HOLD STEADFAST TO THOSE THINGS THAT ARE IMPORTANT AND MAKE US UNIQUE.
OUR WORK STREAMS
In 2009 TARIT signed a Deed of Settlement in relation to a co-management framework for the restoration of the Waikato River and our legislation was passed in 2010. The key activities and work streams we focus on are as follows;
Joint Management Agreements with Waikato Regional Council, Rotorua Lakes Council, Taupo District Council and South Waikato District Council.
Ministerial Accords with the Crown (resulting in an annual Ministerial forum with the Prime Minister and relevant Ministers of the Crown), as well as Accords with the Ministry for Environment, The Ministry of Primary Industries, The Ministry of Business, Innovation and Enterprise, The Ministry of Culture and Heritage, The Department of Conservation, Te Puni Kokiri and Land Information New Zealand.
Active involvement in policy and planning across local, regional and central government.
Customary Fishing Regulations.
Working with key stakeholders involved in the Waikato River and it's environs.
Restoration and Education projects.
Supporting our three River Iwi Affiliates activities as they pertain to the Waikato river.