Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu is not just any other group within the South Island. Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu are the iwi, they are the prominent iwi and mana whenua of the whole of the district of Environment Canterbury. It has been recognised through past legislation that having that special status and that special association with the environment and having representation of Ngāi Tahu members on Environment Canterbury adds and enhances the quality of the decision making, the representation, and the good work of the council.