To Ngāti Tama, Te Waikoropupū Springs are a taonga (treasure) and wāhi tapu. The Springs are the largest cold water springs in the Southern Hemisphere with water visibility recorded at 63 metres. In 2017, Ngāti Tama Ki Te Waipounamu Trust and Andrew Yuill lodged a Water Conservation Order application to protect the water quality of Te Waikoropupū Springs. The purpose of the water conservation order is to provide recognition of the outstanding amenity and or intrinsic value of the Springs; the protection of the Springs characteristics and outstanding significance in accordance with tikanga Māori. Margie Little is a Ngāti Tama Trustee and whānau from Mōhua Takaka and will speak to this topic. She has extensive experience and knowledge on cultural values and water management.

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