Abstract:
This thesis considered the environmental capability of Ngati Whatua o Orakei (NWoO),
an indigenous sub-tribe (hapu) of New Zealand, to achieve environmental improvement
in their local environs of Okahu Bay. NWoO was observed to operate effectively with
central Government to address New Zealand Waitangi Treaty Settlement issues, but is
unable to protect the water quality of Okahu Bay from sewage pollution. This thesis
sought to find out why the hapu could operate so effectively at one decision making
level yet fail to effectively engage on another level. The hapu would like to have
greater influence in environmental decision-making. It is even entitled to have such
influence under the Resource Management Act (1991) and Local Government Act (2002). The problem of sewage overflow in Okahu Bay is managed by the Auckland City Council (ACC) and specifically Metrowater. Ten interviews were conducted with hapu members and representatives from Auckland City Council. Participants were asked about their perspective on the environmental problem in Okahu Bay. This enabled the researcher to determine which narrative the hapu interviewees used to explain their position. As expected, it was found that both those in the hapu and ACC representatives had a range of different perspectives on the problem.
