3. Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi Volume One Cultural beliefs and practices Cultural beliefs and practices are of significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi because of their relationship to tribal identity, tribal life and tribal development. They comprise the essential elements that denote mana and mātauranga (knowledge), the customary right of decision making relating to tribal rohe (boundaries). Tūrangawaewae (ancestral homes, including pā and marae), papakāinga (whānau/communal housing settlements), whare rūnanga and mahinga maataitai are some of these essential elements. The essential working elements of tribal culture give rise to and reaffirm the relationship of tangata whenua with the land. The guaranteed availability of resources has implications that extend beyond the use of a material for any one cultural activity to preserving tikanga (customary practices) associated with their use. Marae As an institution, a marae is a vital part of Mā ori culture. The land and buildings carry the historical prowess of the iwi, with the wharenui (meeting house) often built to symbolise an eponymous ancestor. The stories of the iwi/hapū are entwined within the wharenui as knowledge for present generations and as lessons for the future. While the marae has many roles, fundamentally it is a place where tangata whenua gather to kōrero and discuss topics with whānau or manuhiri (visitors). It is a place where difficult issues can be presented and discussed safely and where the mana of the speaker and those spoken to is kept intact. It provides the most appropriate context for discussing cultural values. Marae provide aspects of both richness and responsibility for iwi. The intergenerational transfer of knowledge, skill and tikanga observance, along with the provision of hospitality, are requirements that iwi increasingly strive to uphold. Marae buildings and grounds are wāhi tapu and have mana that must be respected by everybody who enters the marae grounds. Issues of significance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi As set out in the Introduction, a regional policy statement must identify resource management issues of significance to iwi authorities in Marlborough (Section 62(1)(b)(i) of the RMA). Issues 3A to 3F are the spiritual and cultural matters of fundamental importance to Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi concerning their connection to and use of natural and physical resources. Issues 3G to 3J are relationship and process issues, which include iwi involvement in decision making processes, consultation and cross boundary matters. The third set of issues relating to specific resources, are integrated throughout the MEP. SPIRITUAL AND CULTURAL ISSUES Issue 3A – The principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi are not taken into account. In exercising its functions and powers under the RMA, the Council is required to take into account the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi/Te Tiriti o Waitangi. A number Te Tiriti principles have been defined to date through the Courts and these establish guidelines to govern the relationship between Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi and the Council. Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi are concerned that past decision making processes under the RMA have not necessarily taken into account the principles of Te Tiriti. For this reason, the iwi seek to establish an effective relationship with the Council in resource management processes. This issue is reflected in a number of the other issues included in this chapter. 3 – 8