Maori capacity

This section sets out the steps that the Greater Wellington intends to take to foster the development of Mäori capacity to contribute to Greater Wellington’s decision-making processes.

Greater Wellington has a long-standing and well developed relationship with iwi in the region. Underpinning this relationship is the Charter of Understanding that was signed by iwi and Greater Wellington in 1993. A review of the Charter was completed in July 2000, and resulted in the scope of the Charter being expanded to cover all areas of our business.

Following the review, Greater Wellington developed a policy for strengthening the relationship between itself and tangata whenua. This policy contained a range of initiatives that enable iwi to participate better in Greater Wellington’s functions.

In 2005, iwi and Greater Wellington independently carried out reviews to identify further opportunities to improve participation by Mäori in Greater Wellington decision-making.

Ara Tahi

Ara Tahi is the name given to the Council’s inter-iwi representative group. Ara Tahi is used as a forum for collective discussion and to provide policy advice to the Council.

Representatives from Ara Tahi are appointed to the Wellington Regional Strategy Forum and the Regional Land Transport Committee. In this capacity the representatives are able to participate in the decision-making of these bodies.

Maori hearing appointees
Greater Wellington attempts to use an iwi appointee on all resource consent hearing panels. This provides iwi with a direct involvement in decision-making.

Technical workshops

A number of technical workshops are held annually involving Greater Wellington staff and iwi. The purpose of the workshops is to exchange information, explain technical concepts, and identify issues and solutions. The result is an increase in the capacity of iwi to participate in our business.

Iwi projects

The Council supports iwi to undertake projects that enable them to become more directly involved in the management of resources.

Secondments/exchanges

Opportunities can be created within departments for the secondment of iwi representatives. Similarly, the opportunity for Greater Wellington staff to work within iwi authority structures has been discussed with iwi.

Maori liaison officers/Kaitakawaenga

Greater Wellington employs two dedicated Mäori liaison officers/Kaitakawaenga. These specialist positions enable us to provide enhanced assistance to iwi to participate in Greater Wellington’s business.

Capacity building within Greater Wellington

Greater Wellington carries out a number of activities to increase the capacity of councillors and staff to appreciate and understand Mäori perspectives, the Treaty of Waitangi, tikanga etc. We achieve this through training sessions, rohe walkovers, noho marae and direct contact with iwi.

Although the direct focus is on building capacity, indirectly this enhances the ability of iwi to participate in our business. Development and training is a key initiative supported by the region’s iwi.