Deed of Recognition
Aparima River
A taonga (treasure) of the Ngāi Tahu
Named after Aparima, a tupuna (ancestress), this river flows from the eastern slopes of the Takatimu Mountains where a peak also honours her name. Shellfish, birds, tuna (eels), inanga (whitebait), pātiki (flounder), harakeke (flax) and other resources were gathered here. Near the river mouth was a permanent settlement; sea voyages were launched from nearby tauranga waka (landing places) across Te Ara a Kiwa (Foveaux Strait) to the Titi Islands and beyond. A carved tauihu (canoe prow) found in this estuary attests to this. The tūapuna had an intimate knowledge of navigation, river routes, safe harbours and landing places, locations of food and other resources. Their dependence on, and respect for the Aparima ensured the proper and sustainable utilisation of its resources. These values remain important to Ngāi Tahu today.
The Crown has formally acknowledged the association and values which the Aparima River holds for Ngāi Tahu Whānui, by giving effect to the status of Deed of Recognition as set out in the NgāI Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.
A Deed of Recognition recognises Ngāi Tahu's historic, spiritual and cultural relationships with the Aparima River and the manawhuena status which results from this relationship.