Developing a cultrally acceptable water supply - A Maori perspective

The Torere community, located in the Bay of Plenty and within the tribal bound aries of Ngaitai Iwi had historically used untreated surface water and rainwater collected and consumed in individual dwellings, for water supply. Risks to public health and the opportunity to obtain Ministry of Health funding led Ngaitai Iwi Authority to investigate the possibility of establishing a new community water supply scheme.

A source was identified, however high levels of iron and manganese meant that the water would require treatment before consumption. The Torere community also had specific requirements of the new water supply system, including:

• Meeting cultural requirements regarding treatment, particularly, the use of chemicals.
• Involvement, as much as possible, of the community in the construction and operation of the water supply scheme.

The paper discusses:

• MoH funding – its adequacy, obtaining this funding, and its application to capital as opposed to operational costs.
• Challenges in the design of the treatment system and how community views and d esign constraints were resolved to provide an optimal solution.
• Finding bicultural solutions that satisfy the requirements of drinking water standards whilst recognising Maori cultural beliefs regarding water.
• Benefits to the community resulting from the scheme.