Nga Whenua Rahui Fund
Tawhai
Nga Whenua Rahui is a contestable Ministerial fund established in 1991 to provide funding for the protection of indigenous ecosystems on Maori land. Its scope covers the full range of natural diversity originally present in the landscape.
The Operation of the Fund
The Fund, administered by the Nga Whenua Rahui Committee and serviced by the Department of Conservation, receives an annual allocation of funds from Government. The Committee advises the Minister of Conservation on funding applications from iwi, the placing of kawenata (covenant) and negotiates conditions.
Principles
The criteria and mechanisms of Nga Whenua Rahui, are geared towards the owners retaining tino rangatiratanga (ownership and control). The principal mechanisms used are: Nga Whenua Rahui kawenata persuant to section 77A Reserves Act 1977 and an Agreement for the Mangagement of Land persuant to section 29 Conservation Act.
New Zealand's unique natural heritage
New Zealand inherited a mosaic of natural ecosystems. Its isolation, along with a history of glaciation and relatively recent occupation, its varied geographic features, soil types and climatic differences, left a unique heritage of great diversity. Around 82% of the trees, shrubs and ferns growing in our forests are not found anywhere else in the world.
Why our natural heritage needs protecting
Less than one third of New Zealand's forest cover remains and approximately one sixth of this is on privately owned land. As each year passes more is destroyed and along with it part of our natural heritage. Without direct proactive intervention eventually all our natural areas, including the remnants of forest will die. It is important these unique and diverse communities are preserved as functioning ecosystems for the enjoyment of future generations.
Methods of protection
Covenanting: Maori landowners can protect their indigenous ecosystems under Nga Whenua Rahui kawenata. The agreement is sensitive to Maori values in terms of spirituality and tikanga. Cultural use of these natural areas is blended with the acceptance of public access within the agreements. The objective is long-term protection with inter-generational reviews of conditions.
Maori Reservations: Some of the smaller blocks have opted for formal protection pursuant to section 338 of Te Ture Whenua Act 1993. This involves the setting aside of areas as Maori reservations. Public access is with permission of owners.
Physical Protection: Fencing costs are assessed at the time of application and
the fund provides assistance for fencing off indigenous areas from farmed lands. Often these costs are the major requirement within the protection package.
Registration
Once the blocks are protected the agreement is noted in the Maori Land Court.
Rates
The Fund will assist landowners to seek a nil rating from Councils by confirming formal protection. However, the subject of rates remissions on protected areas is between the landowner and the relevant Council.
Who can apply?
Organisations representative of hapu and iwi can apply.
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