Herd homes : Silver bullet or cause for concern : A dissertation submitted in partial fulfilment of the requirements for the Degree of Master at Lincoln University

Abstract

Herd homes are being implemented for environmental and productive purposes across New Zealand (NZ). Using a proposed herd home barn in Kaituna valley as a case study, this Research explores key players’ perceptions of the herd home in addressing water quality issues in the Kaituna catchment and whether this is consistent with the hierarchy of obligations in Te Mana o te Wai (which literally translates to (the authority of the water). The Research focuses on the broader implications of Te Mana o te Wai concerning the consenting processes for herd homes and adopts a qualitative and case study approach involving a literature review and six semi-structured interviews. The interviews gathered information on the proposed herd home in Kaituna Valley, Te Mana o te Wai and water quality issues within the Kaituna/Te Waihora catchment. This dissertation identifies perceived strengths, weaknesses, and gaps in knowledge surrounding herd homes and the Kaituna Valley proposal. It also identifies perceptions surrounding Te Mana o te Wai in terms of interpretation and application. The Research suggests a precautionary approach to consenting herd homes is required to better provide for water quality outcomes. The precautionary approach has been developed based on the findings to include: A more intense biophysical study into herd home impacts, establishing differences in developing herd homes for mitigation vs intensification, implementing an additional layer of rigour for significant scale developments, and prioritisation of Te Mana o te Wai. The Research signals that Te Mana o te Wai could encompass this precautionary approach when considered in a meaningful way that reflects ki uta ki tai (From the mountains to the sea).