Focus area 5: Advance mana whenua rangatiratanga in leadership and decision-making and provide for customary rights

Mana whenua have a unique role to play in governance and leadership in Tāmaki Makaurau. This is a role that they have undertaken for hundreds of years and which was instrumental in the establishment of our region.

Enabling partnerships with mana whenua in Tāmaki Makaurau honours our commitment to the Treaty and provides a pathway towards a future-focused dynamic, successful city.

The aspirations of iwi and hapū organisations to partner and collaborate with the private, third sectors and other iwi organisations is critical for creating greater investment outcomes and opportunities that will advance the wellbeing of Tāmaki Makaurau the people and the place.

Te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements can enable hapū and iwi involvement in decision-making of natural resources through, for example, co-governance models. This ensures mātauranga and tikanga Māori are integrated into the management of these taonga.

The Treaty-based approach is exemplified by the Tūpuna Maunga o Tāmaki Makaurau Authority which focuses on the health and wellbeing of the maunga in all decisions.

Climate change is a significant issue facing the region, with the effects of climate change impacting the ability of mana whenua iwi to exercise rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga.

Māori customary rights and interests will continue to evolve as te Tiriti o Waitangi settlements and legal provisions come into effect, as has occurred in coastal management and the fisheries sector.

How this can be done

Efforts can focus on:

• continuing to identify and protect sites of cultural heritage, particularly in the planning and development of Tāmaki Makaurau and sites of significance
• increasing reciprocal partnership, collaboration and decision-making opportunities with mana whenua, public, private and community partners
• enabling kaitiakitanga outcomes in the management of natural resources and customary rights while guiding Auckland’s responses to climate change from a te ao Māori view
• advancing mana whenua priorities, outcomes and objectives.