Whanganui District Council Embarks on Historic Indigenous-Council Partnership

The Whanganui District Council is set to make history by engaging in a “world-first indigenous-council partnership” with Māori, which will have far-reaching implications for the region’s governance and relationships.

At two public events next week, council officials, including Mayor Andrew Tripe and Chief Crown Negotiator Rick Barker, will discuss the potential benefits of this unprecedented collaboration. The Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiations Trust (WLSNT) chairperson Ken Mair will also be present, sharing his expertise on the council’s post-Treaty settlement relationship with hapū and iwi.

The Background to the Partnership

Treaty settlement negotiations between WLSNT and the Crown 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 proposal, revealed at the council’s Strategy and Policy Committee meeting last week, includes three key proposals:

* Adopting a legally binding iwi-council relationship agreement
* Establishing a joint Statutory Reserves Board to manage specific reserves
* Agreeing to establish a charitable trust to take a joint approach to social wellbeing

The Engagement Process

The council has opened a two-month engagement period, during which the public can provide feedback on these proposals. Information is available on the council’s website, and a survey can be completed online.

Mayor Tripe emphasized the unprecedented nature of this partnership, stating: “This initiative represents an unprecedented opportunity, a world-first indigenous-council partnership that benefits every individual.”

The council has also confirmed that decisions will be made in public, with livestreamed sessions on the council Facebook page. The engagement period runs through until 2 February.

The Events

Two panel discussion events are scheduled for Monday, 9 December, at 11am and 5:30pm. These sessions will include opportunities for questions from the community, either in person or online.

The events will be free, with attendees encouraged to bring their own questions and thoughts to contribute to the discussion. A cup of tea will follow the panel session, allowing the conversation to continue informally.

The Next Steps

Whanganui District Council will decide on the proposals at a full council meeting on 13 February.

In conclusion, the Whanganui District Council’s decision to engage in a “world-first indigenous-council partnership” marks an exciting new chapter in the region’s history. As the council moves forward with this initiative, it is clear that the benefits of collaboration and community engagement will be felt for generations to come.