Our identity

We are part of the Māori Fisheries Settlement and were established to advance Māori interests in freshwater fisheries. Freshwater fisheries includes species, habitat, surrounding land, water column, water quality and quantity. Protecting Māori interests in freshwater fisheries ultimately means protecting habitat to ensure quality water and abundant species.

Our values

Wai Māori core values:

• Te Mana o Te Wai (reflecting that freshwater ecosystems come first)
• Whakapapa (reflecting the connection between whānau, hapū and iwi and the environment)
• Kaitiakitanga (reflecting whānau, hapū and iwi obligations as descendants of Papatuanuku)

These values represent the natural order of the Wai Māori world view. First and foremost, we value freshwater and all that is encompassed in its ecosystems. The inherent right for water to exist in its own state. Whakapapa recognises our interdependence which binds us as tangata whenua of the environment and kaitiakitanga, our obligation to care for Papatuānuku.