The Revelator - Rory Smith

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).

A powerful river runs down the center of the image, bracketed by hills and greenery

Voices

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 14, 2024

Gabrielle Plowens and Rory Smith and Matthias Kramm

The historic act, which recognized a river as a legal entity, deliberately moves away from litigation and places community decision-making at its center.