Partnering with Mana Whenua and encouraging Māori participation

We engage with Māori formally and informally in our day-to-day operations and have many commitments at a strategic level which support the development of Māori capacity to participate more fully and effectively in the Council’s decision-making processes.

The Local Government Act 2002 provides councils with direction regarding their role as obligatory stewards of Treaty Partnership on behalf of the Crown. The contribution of Māori to local government decision-making processes is integral to the inter-generational well-being of all citizens.

In line with Treaty principles, councils are required to create systems and pathways that contribute to that well-being through partnership, representation, and meaningful consultation with mana whenua and wider Māori communities.

Rangitāne o Manawatū Partnership

Council signed a Partnership Agreement in 2019 that formally acknowledges the status of Rangitāne as mana whenua. This has created a reciprocal working relationship between Iwi leadership and Council to align priorities across the suite of Council Strategies and Plans.

Management of reserves

In 2019, Council signed the Kawenata Te Motu o Poutoa Agreement with local iwi, Rangitāne o Manawatū. This agreement builds on the strong relationships Council has with Rangitāne to work together to develop the reserve Te Motu o Poutoa Anzac Park.

Council plans to establish a joint CCO to build and manage a Civic Marae and Cultural Centre on Te Motu o Poutoa. This work is being progressed via a joint steering group with members from both Council and Rangitāne o Manawatū

Māori Ward

The Council established the Te Pūao Māori Ward in 2021. It is held by two Councillors who represent the specific interests of the wider Māori community.

Staff resources

Council staff and management meet regularly with Iwi leaders regarding a very broad set of projects and programmes. In particular, there is a monthly hui called Te Whiri Kōkō where collaboration, information sharing and advice are provided and shared on a range of activities and projects.

The Council provides capacity funding to support this engagement and acknowledges the significant contribution that mana whenua bring to the City. This is augmented by early engagement between Rangitāne and Elected Members on the Long-term Plan and other major programmes and projects.

The Council maintains a Māori advisory function to ensure Elected Members and staff understand Māori mātauranga (practices and principles) so that Rangitāne and wider Māori are appropriately involved in Council decisions. The need to understand and work alongside the relationships that can assist Council to reach the Māori community is key. For Council to know when to adopt the role of facilitator, supporter or leader where appropriate is vital to a connected sector that is making a difference to the aspiration of Māori development and participation in local government decision-making processes.

Council is committed to its formal partnership with Rangitāne, whilst also committed to building greater participation and engagement with the wider Māori community. This will ensure that Rangitāne and Māori interests are reflected and contributions to positive Māori development are captured in the Long-term Plan and Council policies.