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Partnering with Ngāi Tahu

Last updated: 22 February 2023
Reporting frequency: Quarterly
Portfolio: Regional and strategic leadership

We are strengthening and building on our Tuia relationship with the ten Papatipu Rūnanga of Canterbury.

We have the Tuia Agreement with ngā Papatipu Rūnanga and a Tuia programme of work, which is about working together, shoulder to shoulder, across all of our activity to achieve better outcomes for everyone. It’s about relationships, mutual respect, shared understanding and shared values.

Working in partnership in this way means that we can create a sustainable environment for current and future generations – together.

Our shared vision is based on recognising the relationship between Ngāi Tahu, their ancestral land, and the fact it is inextricably affected by the work we do at Environment Canterbury. 

Ngāi Tahu representation on Canterbury Regional Council  

The Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Act empowers Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu to appoint up to two members of the Environment Canterbury Council with full decision-making powers.

Having mana whenua at the table to contribute to decisions with their local knowledge of the taiao (environment) of Waitaha Canterbury will continue the progress toward better environmental outcomes.    

As well as acknowledging the wealth of knowledge mana whenua have to offer, the appointment of two Ngāi Tahu councillors with voting rights recognises the role Ngāi Tahu have as kaitiaki (guardians) and their right to rangatiratanga (self-determination) within Canterbury Waitaha. 

Developing an integrated regulatory framework in partnership with Papatipu Rūnanga 

We are continuing to progress the development of an integrated regulatory framework in partnership with Ngāi Tahu, taking a ki uta ki tai (mountains to sea) approach and involving the review of Canterbury’s Regional Policy Statement, Regional Coastal Environment Plan and Land and Water Regional Plan.

How are we tracking on our Levels of Service?

Level of service 31: Work in partnership with Ngāi Tahu toward outcomes that are in the iwi, hapū and regional interest.

To achieve this level of service we will:

  • 31.1 Participate in governance and management forums (Te Rōpū Tuia and Te Paiherenga, annual Councillor marae visits)
  • 31.2 Demonstrate commitment to investigating new co-governance/co-management arrangements

How we are doing: We continue to build and strengthen our partnership with Ngāi Tahu.

On track

How are we doing on our key initiatives?

Ngāi Tahu representation on Environment Canterbury Council

How we are doing: The Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill passed its third reading in Parliament on 3 August), and received royal assent on 8 August.

Achieved
Strengthening our relationship with Papatipu Rūnunga

How we are doing: Our relationship is strong and in the second half of 2022 we reviewed and refreshed our processes for engagement, with the intention of holding more frequent hui between our Council and the Chairs of ngā Papatipu Rūnanga in 2023.

On track

Recent highlights and updates

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