Partnership with Tangata Whenua
Tangata whenua have a close relationship with the land and other values such as biodiversity, landscapes, and cultural heritage. Maori are a large component of Northland’s overall population, and demographic trends suggest that this proportion will grow markedly.
From the settlements along the coast to the river valleys in the interior, Northland was one of the first major settlement areas for Maori, and it remains rich in historic sites and cultural meaning. The ongoing growth and development of the district and region can have a strong impact, positive and negative on Maori values, and it is noted that the protection of taonga such as wild fish and shellfish, forest materials, water, and biodiversity is critical to provide for Maori cultural values. These values have been articulated in such documents as Te Iwi O Ngatiwai Environmental Policy Document (2007), Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust Board Environmental Management Plan (2007), and Ngati Hine Iwi Environmental Management Plan (2008). These values provide a strong foundation for addressing issues around sustainability for the district.
Issues already identified as being important to Maori include papakainga housing, management and ‘best’ use of Maori land, and the protection of sites of significance to Maori. Other issues include ongoing settlement of Treaty Claims, and the use of resources for economic development.
In terms of Sustainable Futures 30/50, partnership with tangata whenua is essential, and will be initiated, implemented, and progressed in a variety of ways. These include the recognition of tangata whenua in the overall governance arrangement of the project, interaction with the Maori Liaison Subcommittee of Whangarei District Council, ongoing involvement of Whangarei District Council’s Maori Liaison Officer and similar officers at other local authorities, working with various Maori Trusts of Te Taitokerau and their technical staff, and information and consultation meetings held at Marae and other venues across the district and region as required.
The initial consultation programme for 2009 as proposed to the Maori Liaison Committee in November 2008 consists of the following:
"Two Urban Marae:
- Glenbervie (Pehiaweri Marae)
- Whangarei (Terenga Paraoa Marae).
Four Rural Marae:
- Ngaiotonga (Ngati Wai Marae) or alternatively Bland Bay (Tuparehuia Marae)
- Ruakaka (Takahiwai Marae)
- Matapouri Bay (Matapouri Marae)
- Mangakahia (Mangakahia Marae).
It is also recommended that a joint hui be held with both the Ngati Wai Trust Board and the Ngati Hine Runanga. (Ngati Hine Health Trust Building).”
Sustainable
