Mana Whenua

Kōtui Mana Whenua

Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa and Rangitāne o Wairarapa are the mana whenua of Wairarapa.

Liaising with Mana Whenua

Local government legislation requires councils to take account of the perspective(s) of Māori on many matters. Initially, councils’ key requirements came from the Resource Management Act 1991. This Act contains obligations for councils to consult with iwi on resource management matters. The Local Government Act 2002 contains provisions that are broader in definition and scope. This Act requires councils to take appropriate account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) and maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local decision-making processes.

The Resource Management Act 1991 places an obligation on the Council to consult with Māori during the planning process. This obligation is in turn derived from the underlying principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, which in this context, refers to:-

• Partnership – the development of an active and ongoing relationship between Council and local iwi.
• Participation – a principle which emphasises positive Māori involvement in the business of the Council, and in particular its planning and delivery functions.
• Protection – the requirement to ensure that Māori well-being is enhanced whenever possible and that principles of equity towards Māori are observed in the Council’s decision-making process.

The Council is committed to engaging in active consultation with Māori and to fostering positive relationships in pursuance of the partnership envisaged under the Treaty of Waitangi, on matters that affect and concern Māori.

The tangata whenua who are mana whenua of this district are independent iwi, hapū and marae that each maintain their mana and tikanga.