Tātou ki Uta – Coastal Reserves Management Plan
In 2024, Mana Whenua was invited by the Wellington City Council to review the Coastal Reserves Management plan. At that time the plan was 22 years old and was well overdue for review. Ahumai led the review on behalf of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Te Ātiawa ki Te Upoko o Te Ika a Māui Pōtiki Trusts.
The plan review occurred through a series of meetings and agreed outputs that included a monthly steering group to discuss changes needed. The steering group group was co-chaired by Mana Whenua and council to ensure the partnership was able to respond to separate and collective issues.
In 2025, the Coastal Reserves Management plan was approved and adopted with the new name
Tātou ki Uta – the Coastal Reserves Management Plan.
The name Tātou ki Uta, bestowed by Mana Whenua, reflects the shared relationship with the coast that underpins this plan. Meaning “all of us on the coast”, it is derived from the saying “Tātou ki Uta, Tātou ki Tai”, which comes from the separation of Ranginui and Papatūānuku and the ongoing battle between Tāwhirimātea and Tangaroa. Tātou ki Uta guides the care and management of coastal reserves in Te Whanganui a Tara.
Three key pathways supported our active partnership for this management plan as Taranaki Whānui. These included:
Pathway 1.1 - Strengthening Mana Whenua presence and leadership on the coast. Developing the concept of iwi rangers that represent mana whenua interests across the south coast. The rangers could have a dual role in managing land and coastal issues.
Pathway 1.2 - Recognising treaty settlements in coastal management. Ensuring that Taranaki Whānui agreements for Oruaiti are respected and upheld.
Pathway 1.3 - Restoring traditional Māori place names and strengthening te reo Māori. One of the challenges to council was the return of Te Māpunga, in place of Shorland Park as it’s currently known. Te Mapunga named for the black shag, reflects how seasonal bird behaviour guided fishing practices and signalled times of abundance. “The arrival of Te Māpunga in this area heralded a change in season, and better times to come as this bird was an expert fisher. It is said our people watched these birds to inform them where the fish were running, much like today.”
Tātou ki Uta was unanimously adopted by council in September 2026. Taranaki Whānui Deputy Chair, Huia Puketapu, spoke on behalf of Mana Whenua asking those present to forecast their minds to 2065 where a team of iwi rangers are in place, looking after the mana of the whenua for the betterment of the whole region.
I te iti, i te rahi, te katoa!
Check out the full scope and final plan below:
Coastal Reserves Management Plan Scope
Final Coastal Reserves Management Plan 2025
