Key Takeaways
- The drying of Pukepuke Lagoon has shocked local iwi, prompting an iwi‑led investigation to prevent recurrence.
- Contributing factors likely include long‑term groundwater extraction, drainage alterations, and recent weather extremes.
- Iwi and hapū are asserting leadership in the response, with external agencies providing technical support but stepping aside to let Māori guide the process.
- The lagoon holds deep cultural significance as a home to taonga species such as tuna (eels) that have been part of Māori life for generations.
- Historical land‑use changes have dramatically reduced the lagoon’s size from ~162 ha before European settlement to roughly 15 ha today.
- Agencies involved – Horizons Regional Council, Manawatū District Council, and the Department of Conservation – are gathering data and assisting with fish salvage under a newly restricted permit system.
- Community actions, including a rāhui, karakia, and eel removal, demonstrate a collective commitment to protect the lagoon’s ecological and cultural values.
Initial Reaction and Shock
Te Puni described the sight of the dry lake bed as “quite a shock to the system,” underscoring the emotional impact on local Māori communities. The sudden exposure of the lagoon floor revealed not only an environmental anomaly but also a visible rupture in the cultural landscape that has sustained iwi for generations. This visceral reaction galvanised hapū members to call for immediate action and a thorough inquiry into what led to the lagoon’s desiccation.
Investigating the Causes
According to Te Puni, the dryness likely stems from a combination of long‑term groundwater extraction, drainage issues, and recent weather extremes. These pressures have altered the hydrological balance that once kept Pukepuke Lagoon flush with water. By recognising multiple contributing factors, investigators can avoid attributing the event to a single cause and instead develop a holistic management plan that addresses both human‑induced and climatic pressures.
Iwi‑Led Investigation and Leadership
Te Puni emphasized the importance of a full iwi‑led investigation to ensure the situation does not repeat. He urged iwi and hapū to “front this situation” while welcoming external groups to contribute technical expertise, but stressed that those agencies must “step aside and allow iwi and hapū to take the lead in this space.” This approach seeks to honour Māori self‑determination and integrate mātauranga Māori with scientific methods for a culturally appropriate solution.
Future‑Proofing Through Mana Whenua
Future proofing the wellbeing of Pukepuke Lagoon, Te Puni said, requires setting aside politics and “friction” to acknowledge “the mana of the whenua.” He reminded listeners that the lagoon is not merely a parcel of land to be monitored but a living taonga intertwined with the lives of tūpuna. Recognising this deep spiritual connection is essential for any restoration effort to gain genuine community support and long‑term success.
Cultural Significance of Taonga Species
The lagoon has historically supported taonga species, especially tuna (eels), which have been harvested and revered by Māori for many years. Te Puni noted, “These are taonga species which have been part of our lives and our tūpuna lives for many years. There’s a very deep connection here as opposed to it just being a piece of land which has to be monitored.” Protecting these species is therefore both an ecological imperative and a cultural duty.
Community Perspectives on the Phenomenon
Pahia Turia, chairperson of Te Rūnanga o Ngā Wairiki Ngāti Apa, countered the notion that the drying is a natural phenomenon, stating that “nowhere in our history though did any of our ancestors ever talk about that lake drying up.” He pointed out that significant lakes in the region have been “absolutely drained” over the past century for farming, suggesting that altered drainage systems around Pukepuke are a plausible primary driver of the current scenario.
Involvement of Regional and Local Authorities
Representatives from Horizons Regional Council, Manawatū District Council (MDC), and the Department of Conservation (DoC) were present at Pukepuke on Friday to assist with the investigation. Horizons chief executive Michael McCartney described the situation as “confronting” and expressed that harm to taonga species is undesirable for all parties. McCartney added that council field staff had observed several nearby lakes, including Dudding Lake and Lake Herbert, dropping to low levels in recent months and years, indicating a broader regional water scarcity.
Agency Stance on Water Quality vs. Quantity
Horizons believes the main issue at Pukepuke is a “lack of water” rather than historically poor water quality marked by high nitrogen levels. Nonetheless, the council is compiling all available data to assess “the historical regularity” of such events at the lagoon. This focus on quantity reflects an understanding that restoring adequate inflow may be the first step toward ecological recovery, while water quality monitoring remains an ongoing responsibility.
Local Council’s Commitment to Iwi Leadership
An MDC spokesperson affirmed that the council acknowledges the lagoon’s significance to Rangitāne and respects any decisions that will be led by local iwi, hapū, and DoC. This statement underscores a collaborative framework where statutory agencies support Māori governance rather than dictate it, aligning with the principles of partnership inherent in the Treaty of Waitangi.
Community Mobilisation and Cultural Response
A Facebook post by the Rangitāne settlement trust last Friday announced the shocking scenes and called residents to a Saturday mobilisation in collaboration with Ngāti Apa, Ngā hapū o Himatangi, and Ngāti Raukawa. The post urged, “The tuna need us immediately,” prompting a collective response that included the placement of a rāhui, the singing of karakia, and the removal of eels by whānau alongside a small contingent of Horizons and DoC staff. These actions demonstrated a tangible, culturally grounded effort to protect the lagoon’s living treasures.
Changes in Access and Permit Regulations
Previously, public access to Pukepuke Lagoon required a DoC permit. In light of the crisis, permits will now be issued only to those conducting investigations or assisting with fish salvage. This restriction aims to minimise disturbance while allowing essential scientific and rescue work to proceed, reflecting a precautionary approach to safeguard the fragile ecosystem during its recovery phase.
Historical Size Reduction
Before European settler farming and drainage, Pukepuke Lagoon covered roughly 162 ha. Between 1910 and the 1930s, its area had shrunk to about 49 ha, and since 1940 it has stabilised at around 15 ha. This dramatic contraction illustrates the long‑term impact of land‑use changes on the lagoon’s hydrology and highlights the urgency of reversing or mitigating further loss.
Note on Local Democracy Reporting
The piece was produced by LDR (Local Democracy Reporting), a journalistic initiative co‑funded by RNZ and NZ On Air, which aims to strengthen coverage of local government and community issues across New Zealand.