Source: The New Zealand Herald
http://www.nzherald.co.nz/storydisplay.cfm?storyID=3581025&thesection=news&thesubsection=general
On July 29, 2004 The New Zealand Herald reported, "The Environment Court has blocked a plan to install tidal gates across a Manukau Harbour inlet partly because of its impact on Maori spiritual values. Papakura District Council wanted to build gates under the Southern Motorway to turn the upper Pahurehure inlet into a lake for water sports. But the court found it would affect Maori spiritual values by interfering with the natural flow of the tide. 'The inlet is an integral part of the Manukau Harbour,' wrote presiding Environment Court Judge Gordon Whiting. 'If the water is interfered with, the wairua [spirit] of its water will decay and when the gates are reopened the resulting decay will affect the wairua of the greater Manukau Harbour.' The decision also noted that the development and loss of habitat would have an impact on bird life. The ruling comes as the Resource Management Act, which says Maori spiritual and cultural concerns must be taken into account in environmental matters, comes under increasing pressure. A Thames developer is fuming over Maori claims of lights flicking on and off and water running without explanation at a proposed building site...While the Government was considering changes to the RMA, National would give the Act a 'thorough clean-up' to remove any references to the spiritual world, Dr Smith said."