Rory Smith is a member of Te Kōpuka (tourism lens), the strategy group mandated under the Te Awa Tupua legislation to produce and monitor the whole of the Te Heke Ngahuru river strategy. Rory has more than 30 years of experience operating two tourism businesses entirely connected to the Whanganui River, including an accommodation provider and a tour operation, with both heavily reliant on strong relationships with the Whanganui River Iwi (Māori).
The Te Awa Tupua Act: An Inspiration for Communities to Take Responsibility for Their Ecosystems
The historic act, which recognized a river as a legal entity, deliberately moves away from litigation and places community decision-making at its center.
August 27, 2024