by Pieri Munro
Seeing the world and all of its gifts through another’s lens helps us to understand the values and principles implied through that lens. Te Taiao, our environment and all it contains, is seen by Māori as a distinct realm that draws respect, responsibility, and accountability of the beholder. Myths, legends and stories (pūrākau) provide an entry point and understanding to what shapes Māori thinking, behaviour and actions. We have all heard of Māui, his plights and how these may be encapsulated in our universal world. Rata Ware - Rata the forgetful - is an important pūrākau that helps us to see te Taiao (Te Wao Nui a Tāne) through a Māori lens. The central message of the story is the same: be respectful, caring and sustaining of taonga that are bequeathed to each and every one of us.
The great chief who learned a harsh lesson about respect for the children of Tāne (pdf download - 1kb).
Regional and unitary councils across Aotearoa are obligated to work in Tiriti-based partnership with iwi, hapū and Treaty settlement groups to care for te Taiao and support resilient communities. Councils recognise the deep relationships tangata whenua hold with their lands, waters and taonga, and that both mana whenua and councils bring distinct forms of authority and responsibility to decisions about the natural environment. Strong partnerships honour these roles and ensure decisions are shaped by the values and rights of tangata whenua alongside council duties to serve their communities.
These relationships are core to how the regional sector operates. The councils of Te Uru Kahika commit to building and maintaining strong, enduring relationships with iwi and hapū based on respect, trust and shared responsibility. Strengthening these partnerships includes growing and resourcing kaupapa Māori capability, co-designing and co-governing where appropriate, and recognising the authority and integrity of mātauranga Māori, governed by those to whom it belongs.
Partnerships with mana whenua occur in different ways across the country, reflecting local relationships and priorities. Some partnerships are built into formal arrangements such as co-governance bodies, joint committees, advisory groups, and relationship agreements that provide for shared or delegated decision-making in planning, policy and strategic direction. Other partnerships are based around on-the-ground delivery of ecological restoration, climate resilience and other projects.
Relationships are core to these partnerships. Our councils value the participation of iwi and hapū in decision-making processes and respect their authority over their knowledge, values and resources. A relationship-based approach helps ensure decisions reflect both community needs and the perspectives of tangata whenua, and that mātauranga Māori is used with integrity and guidance from those to whom it belongs. It is the depth of the relationship and emanating trust amongst partners that survives the highs and lows anticipated across any work programme. In Māori there is a phrase Kei ngā piki me ngā heke ka taea e tātau, translated, ‘through the peaks and the troughs we will be successful’.
Councillors and iwi members signing the Tuia Agreement, a partnership document between Environment Canterbury and Ngāi Tahu Papatipu Rūnanga. Images courtesy of Canterbury Regional Council/Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha.
The collaborative work of councils and mana whenua leads to better outcomes for our regions. These partnerships encourage more holistic perspectives that strengthen planning and service delivery and ensure actions taken today uphold the wellbeing of future generations.
Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi and prioritising respectful, enduring partnerships with mana whenua equips councils across Aotearoa New Zealand to respond to environmental pressures, climate challenges and the changing needs of our communities - while delivering lasting benefits for everyone.
Nō Ōtautahi ahau
He Tangata Tiriti ahau
I tupu ake au ki Fiji
Nō Europe ōku tūpuna
Ko Miria Goodwin tōku ingoa
Miria provides dedicated policy, organisational and facilitation support for our Māori Special Interest Group Ngā Kairapu. Kaupapa Māori is a key priority for Te Uru Kahika, and Miria works alongside our sector’s kaimahi Māori to support their mahi. Miria works closely with Te Uru Kahika and other organisations to help understand what genuine Tiriti partnership looks like and to drive and embed systemic change for positive long-term outcomes. Miria has been in local government for 15 years in various roles including the Christchurch City Council, Environment Canterbury and Te Uru Kahika, with an environmental social science research focus prior to her time with local government. Miria brings an understanding of regional council governance, environmental policy and strategy, and community-council partnerships to her work for Te Uru Kahika and to the Ngā Kairapu goals of improving regional government outcomes for iwi and hapū. Miria works part time for Te Uru Kahika, with other engagements including facilitation mahi and being an active member of the Ōpāwaho Heathcote River Network in Ōtautahi.
