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Environment Minister Nick Smith has approved the joint application
of Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu and the Department of Conservation.
They aim to amend the Te Waihora Water Conservation Order.
The lake bed was returned to Ngai Tahu in its Treaty settlement.
Te Waihora is near Christchurch.
It was a sad sight at Te Waihora today.
But what's even worse, perhaps is that this is nothing new.
According to a recent water quality report,
Te Waihora is the second most polluted lake in NZ.
However, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu
and the Department of Conservation have joined forces,
with Environment Minister Nick Smith having recently approved
their application to make amendments
to the lake's current water conservation order.
Ngai Tahu want to set up indigenous wetland vegetation
to help sustain aquatic species within the lake.
They also want to establish characteristics
which exemplify their connection to the lake,
while also making changes to natural food stocks and guardianship.
Under the current system it's mainly birds that are protected
while other species such as eel and flounder are forgotten.
The matter has now been referred by the Minister
to Environment Canterbury.
They will advertise and arrange public submission hearings.
Those details are expected out next month.
Maiki Sherman, Te Karere.