12/11/2025
𝗠𝗘𝗗𝗜𝗔 𝗥𝗘𝗟𝗘𝗔𝗦𝗘
12 November 2025
𝗡𝗴𝗮̄𝘁𝗶 𝗔𝘄𝗮 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲 𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘁 𝗗𝗲𝗰𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗥𝗲𝗴𝗮𝗿𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗢𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗶𝗿𝗶 𝗪𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗕𝗼𝘁𝘁𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa (TRONA) has today received the Supreme Court’s judgment in its appeal against the proposed Otakiri water-bottling expansion in Whakatāne.
The Supreme Court, by a 3–2 majority, has dismissed Ngāti Awa’s appeal. The Chief Justice and Justice Glazebrook, however, found in favour of Ngāti Awa, recognising the importance of te mana me te mauri o te wai and the role of iwi as kaitiaki.
While disappointed by the outcome, Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa acknowledges the strength of support and dedication shown throughout this lengthy process by its people, legal team, and wider iwi.
“Although this marks the end of the legal journey, our duty as kaitiaki will always continue today and with our future generations. We remain steadfast in upholding te mana me te mauri o te wai and the wellbeing of our land, water and people across our rohe,” said Reuben Araroa, Manahautū of Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Awa.
TRONA will take time to consider the judgment and its implications. The Rūnanga extends its deep gratitude to the many past, present, and future leaders who continue to uphold the iwi’s enduring responsibility as kaitiaki of the Ngāti Awa taiao.
ENDS
Link in bio: More info including Supreme Court judgement
