Representatives from Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou and the council met for a hui and the signing of the updated manatu whakaaetaka (relationship agreement) at Tamatea, Ōtākou marae yesterday.
The ongoing relationship will be achieved through the establishment of Te Pae Māori as a new mana whenua forum aimed at furthering the relationship between the rūnaka and the council.
Te Pae Māori will hold a minimum of four hui per calendar year, allowing for consultation and liaison between the council and rūnaka, and ensure Māori interests are reflected across council work programmes and activities.
Ōtākou kaumātua Edward Ellison said the new agreement paved a pathway forward for the groups working together, and embodied the spirit of a collaborative partnership or marriage.
Mayor Jules Radich said the agreement acknowledged the progress made over the past 16 years, and the signing symbolised how the council and mana whenua were joined in their relationship.
Te Rūnanga ō Ōtākou chairwoman Rachel Wesley compared the signing to that of an arranged marriage, but one that required the work and consent of both parties.
"It’s great to get our ‘vows’ renewed today," she said.
Deputy mayor Sophie Barker said she had high hopes for the work that would come as a result of working together.
"I hope we can all work really fruitfully together, from my heart to your heart," Cr Barker said.
Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki chairman Matapura Ellison said the agreement indicated clear intent that equity would be maintained and whānau would thrive.
"Now the work shall really begin but I’m really earnest in the hope this will formally pave the way to address issues of concern to the city," he said.
