Whanganui District Council Considering Groundbreaking Partnership with Iwi

The Whanganui District Council is considering signing up to a groundbreaking partnership with iwi, which would establish a “transformative” relationship and acknowledge shared and distinct responsibilities for long-term wellbeing. The proposal includes three key components: adopting a legally binding iwi-council relationship agreement, establishing a joint statutory reserves board, and agreeing to the establishment of a charitable trust.

A Legally Binding Relationship Agreement

The proposed relationship agreement would establish a “transformative” partnership between the council and iwi, enhancing iwi participation in decision-making and collaborative management of lands, resources, and socio-economic strategies. The agreement would acknowledge shared and distinct responsibilities for long-term wellbeing and provide a framework for future collaboration.

Establishing a Joint Statutory Reserves Board

The joint statutory reserves board, Ngā Tūtei a Maru, would be made up of three iwi and three council members, including the mayor. The board would manage specific reserves, including Pukenamu/Queens Park, Tawhero/Gonville Domain, Pākaitore/Moutoa Historic Reserve, and specific sections of Mōwhānau Village. The management of these areas would ensure public access remains unchanged.

A Charitable Trust

The council and iwi would establish a charitable trust, Toitū te Whānau, to take a joint approach to social wellbeing. This trust would enable the community to take social issues into its own hands and make improvements “in a style which is Whanganui’s alone.”

Community Engagement

The community will have the opportunity to provide feedback on the proposals through engagement sessions starting on December 2. Two public panel sessions will be held on December 9 at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre, featuring panellists including WLSNT chair Ken Mair, project manager Tracey Waitokia, and chief Crown negotiator Rick Barker.

The council will make a decision on the proposals at a full council meeting on February 13. If the council decides to sign up to the partnership, it would be a significant step forward in building a collaborative relationship with iwi.

Expert Views

Chief Crown Negotiator Rick Barker described the proposal as “a remarkable opportunity” to unite the two entities to make life better for the entire community. He emphasized that the council needs to make its decision ahead of iwi and the Crown, stating, “It can’t join later. So this is the time.”

WLSNT project manager Tracey Waitokia said the proposals embody the aspirations of hapū for a collaborative approach, adding, “This is an amazing opportunity for all of us to walk together to feed the wellbeing of our community, and make sure it is whanau-centred.”

Conclusion

The Whanganui District Council’s consideration of a partnership with iwi marks a significant shift in the relationship between local government and iwi. If the council decides to sign up to the proposal, it would be a groundbreaking move that acknowledges shared responsibilities for long-term wellbeing and provides a framework for collaborative management of lands, resources, and socio-economic strategies.