Canterbury Mornings

Frustrated with the lack of progress cleaning up South Island lakes and rivers Ngāi Tahu is taking action. The South Island iwi has gone to the High Court at Christchurch to seek recognition of its sovereignty over freshwater.Ngāi Tūāhuriri Upoko Dr Te Maire Tau told Chris Lynch this isn't a claim of ownership but recognition of the tribe's role in water legislation.He says there has been a lack of political will and a she'll be right attitude which has gone on for too long.Te Maire Tau says it has to be involved in regulating rivers and lakes for pollution and water take.Listen above.