A World-First Indigenous-Council Partnership: Whanganui District Council’s Historic Move

The Whanganui District Council is on the cusp of making history by embarking on a “world-first indigenous-council partnership” with Māori. The council’s post-Treaty settlement relationship with hapū and iwi will be the focus of two public events next week, where attendees can engage in panel discussions and share their thoughts on the benefits of working together.

Understanding the Context: Treaty Settlement Negotiations

The council’s negotiations with Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiations Trust (WLSNT) are expected to be finalised in early 2025. As part of the settlement, WLSNT is proposing a platform for joint work between the council and Takapau Whariki, the post-settlement governance entity for the settlement.

The Proposals: A New Era for Collaboration

The council has proposed three key arrangements to strengthen its relationship with Māori:

• Adopting a legally binding iwi-council relationship agreement, Te Tomokanga ki Te Matapihi
• Establishing a joint Statutory Reserves Board, Ngā Tūtei a Maru, to manage specific reserves
• Agreeing to establish a charitable trust, Toitū te Whānau, through which the council and iwi would take a joint approach to social wellbeing

These proposals aim to centre local needs and solutions in the post-settlement era for Whanganui hapū/iwi. The council is committed to engaging with the community during this period, with a two-month engagement window running until 2 February.

Public Engagement: A New Era of Collaboration

The council has opened its doors to public engagement, with panel discussions and online opportunities available for attendees to share their thoughts and questions. Mayor Andrew Tripe emphasised the importance of public participation, stating that “these discussions usually take place after the ink is dry, but in this case we are being asked to make decisions on some post-treaty settlement arrangements in time for finalisation in early 2025.”

The council has also confirmed that its decisions will be made publicly, with livestreaming on the Facebook page and extended community engagement time. Mayor Tripe encouraged people to provide feedback through a survey or attend one of the panel sessions.

Conclusion: A New Era for Whanganui

As the Whanganui District Council moves forward with its “world-first indigenous-council partnership”, it is clear that this historic move marks a significant step towards reconciliation and collaboration. By engaging with the community and embracing new ways of working, the council is positioning itself for a brighter future for all Whanganui residents.