Statement of Intent
A Reflection of our Bi-Cultural Community

Information below demonstrates the activities that Council has undertaken in the 2012/13 year to establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to the decision-making processes.

Mˉaori Development

Māori development, in collaboration with other departments, will play a key role in addressing the following areas:

• Māori representation;
• Māori economic & social development;
• Internal capacity building; and
• External engagement.

The above emphasis is twofold:

• Council has obligations under the Local Government Act 2002,  to establish processes to give Māori the opportunity to contribute to decision making and to consider ways to foster Māori development and capacity through better engagement; and
• Develop a more strategic alignment with Iwi Māori through greater engagement, programmes & / or initiatives.  This was a major input into the LTP through the submission process.  

In view of Council’s intention to become a Unitary Authority, it has signalled its support in principle for having dedicated Māori seats if unitary authority status is achieved. Council has also shown its commitment by resolving to investigate non electoral options for engagement and involvement of Māori in its decision making.

Council is mindful of the challenges faced by Māori landowners and supports opportunities that enable development on Māori freehold land to occur.  Whilst Council only administers a small component of Māori freehold land development, Council acknowledges that  development will require greater collaboration with key  stakeholders including the Māori Land Court, Te Puni Kōkiri, Social Housing Unit, Iwi authorities and other central government agencies.  These development opportunities will be project driven with a number of capacity building workshops provided on a case by case basis e.g. Council may facilitate papakainga development workshops to empower participants gain a better understanding of the provisions applicable to papakainga within the District Plan.

With regards to the internal capacity building, the waiata roopu continually provides consistent support and has participated at a range of council functions, including pˉowhiri / welcoming ceremonies, poroporoakī / farewells and civic functions like citizenship ceremonies.

External Engagement

With regards to external engagement forums, Council is in the process of canvassing strategic and collaborative relationships with central government agencies and Iwi authorities within the district.  This relationship building process seeks to align Māori social and development outcomes so that there are clearer opportunities and efficiencies when providing for the social, cultural, environmental and economic development and wellbeing of Māori within the Far North.