Tangata whenua
On this page: iwi in our region, iwi relationships, Māori seats, Waikato River co-management, resource consents, tangata whenua management plans, how you can get involved, useful links
Waikato Regional Council is at a pivotal period of change, placing high priority on its relationship with iwi partners and tangata whenua, the essence of which has been captured in the Strategic direction for the Waikato Regional Council 2010 – 2013. In a short period the council has already taken significant steps towards building meaningful working relationships across the organisation with Treaty partners.
More significantly, in October of 2011 Waikato Regional Council voted in favour of establishing two Māori council seats for the region in readiness for the 2013 local government elections. The Māori constituencies will complement agreements moving forward and strengthen on-going engagement with tangata whenua whānui (wide), both within and outside of Treaty settlement arrangements. Read more about Māori representation.
Who are the iwi in our region?
The principle iwi groups in our region are Waikato, Maniapoto, Raukawa, Hauraki, Tūwharetoa and Te Arawa. Each iwi are affiliated to hapū, marae, rūnanga, trust board or other corporate body respectfully. Find out more about the iwi and hapū within our region and how to contact them.
Tai-ranga-whenua – iwi relationships
The Waikato Regional Council has a dedicated team to consult on matters of interest to iwi and hapū. Learn more about the Tai-ranga-whenua team and how we can help you.
Māori seats
In October 2011 Waikato Regional Council voted to establish two Māori seats in time for the 2013 local government elections. This year the council will be working with iwi to establish Māori constituency boundaries. Read more about this.
Waikato River co-management
Co-management provides iwi with mechanisms to govern and manage the river in partnership with central and local government.
Resource consents
Tangata whenua must be consulted on certain resource consent applications under the Resource Management Act. Find out more about the resource consent process .
Use the links below to access maps that show information about resource consents and consent applications held and lodged with Waikato Regional Council:
Tangata whenua management plans
Tangata whenua management plans are documents approved by iwi to identify cultural and natural features important to Māori. They also outline processes for consulting with Māori. These plans are taken into account by the council in the management of the region's natural resources, providing a formal way for iwi interests to be incorporated into the council's decision making. Find out more.
A Māori perspective on the environment
Māori culture encompasses a deep bond with nature. Māori are concerned about the effects of resource use on land, air, water, coasts, geothermal resources and the plants and animals which live there. Learn more about the special bond between Māori and the environment.
How you can get involved
Keep an eye out for resource consent applications, policies and plans that will affect you and your area. You can submit your views, which will then be taken into account by the council during their decision making. You can submit as an individual or as part of your hapū/iwi.
You and your whanaunga can also create a hapū/iwi management plan which must be taken into account under the Resource Management Act 1991 as part of the council's decision making.
More information
The Treaty of Waitangi
Learn about the Treaty.
Treaty settlement information
Office of Treaty Settlements
Treaty settlement map
Useful links
You may find these websites and pages helpful:
Māori Land Court - http://www.justice.govt.nz/courts/maori-land-court
Te Kāhui Māngai - http://www.tkm.govt.nz/
Ministry of Fisheries - customary fishing areas - http://www2.nabis.govt.nz/map.aspx?topic=CustomaryAreas
Department of Conservation - http://gis.doc.govt.nz/docgis/
Independent Māori Statutory Board - http://www.imsb.maori.nz/