Volume One 5. Allocation of Public Resources experienced in the short-term but also have the potential to become permanent, for example where there is a loss of habitat. Any loss of natural and human use values, either short-term or long-term, will have an impact on the community and the intrinsic values of the environment. [RPS, R] Objective 5.2 – Safeguard the life-supporting capacity of freshwater resources by retaining sufficient flows and/or levels for the natural and human use values supported by waterbodies. The natural and human use values supported by Marlborough’s freshwater bodies are important to retain given their contribution to the social, economic and cultural wellbeing of the community. In addition, the values can also have significance as a matter of national importance under Section 6 of the RMA, which must be recognised and provided for. Objective B1 of the NPSFM also requires the life-supporting capacity, ecosystem processes and indigenous species to be safeguarded. Objective 5.2 reflects the need to safeguard the life-supporting capacity of Marlborough’s freshwater bodies when managing the taking, damming or diversion of water. Natural and human use values [RPS, R] Policy 5.2.1 – Maintain or enhance the natural and human use values supported by freshwater bodies. The natural and human use values supported by freshwater bodies in Marlborough are varied, reflecting the diversity of water resources highlighted in Policy 5.1.1. The natural and human use values supported by different waterbodies are identified in Appendix 5. Given their intrinsic value and their significance to the community, the policy seeks to retain the natural and human use values. The development of allocation frameworks contained in the provisions of this chapter has taken into account Objective 5.2 and this policy. The environmental limits established through subsequent policies are intended to retain sufficient flow and/or level to maintain or enhance the natural and human use values of specific freshwater bodies. Maintaining or enhancing natural and human use values were also a relevant consideration in determining the circumstances under which the taking of water could occur without resource consent. Some proposals to take, dam or divert water can involve site specific adverse effects on natural and human use values. This policy allows those potential adverse effects to be considered in the determination any application for resource consent to take, dam or divert water. [RPS, R] Policy 5.2.2 – Give priority to protecting the mauri of freshwater and freshwater flows/levels. Mauri is the term used by Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi to describe the cultural concept that all natural resources have a lifeforce. This lifeforce (wairua) is derived from the physical attributes of the resource as well as the spiritual association iwi have with natural resources. Water is considered to be particularly significant to iwi in this regard as it sustains all life. Pap-t--nuku (Mother Earth) supports all people, flora and fauna, and waterbodies represent the blood vessels that supply nourishment to her, and through her, to all living things. Marlborough’s tangata whenua iwi feel that there is a lack of understanding in the community and by decision makers that water has wairua. It is their view that land and water are therefore used and managed in ways that do not recognise the spiritual significance of the resource. As a result, the taking, damming or diversion of water can adversely affect the mauri of water. Of particular concern is the impact of reduced flow on the ability of each iwi to support traditional uses and values. Given the whakapapa link between Māori and water, the flows/levels in waterbodies are a 5 – 3