7.    Key Council Policies and Plans

7.5.    Maori Liaison Policy

Te Manawhenua Forum Mo Matamata-Piako: 

Council has established a formal process of representation for Maori within the district. Through discussions with Iwi nominated representatives, a preferred structure was developed and Te Manawhenua Forum Mo Matamata-Piako was formed as a standing committee of Council.

The heads of agreement statement for the forum outlines the purpose of Te Manawhenua Forum Mo Matamata-Piako as, “To facilitate mana whenua contribution to Council’s decision making.” The forum will consider any matter to sustainably promote the social, economic, environmental and cultural wellbeing of Maori communities for today and for the future.

Forum membership includes representatives from Ngati Haua, Ngati Maru, Ngati Paoa, Raukawa, Ngati Rahiri Tumutumu, Ngati Whanaunga, Ngati Hinerangi the Mayor and Deputy Mayor. The forum may agree to additional members in the future.

Other Council Policies for Liaising with Maori:
Council’s Consultation Policy recognises the principles of Te Tiriti O Waitangi and the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 to provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to Council’s decision making processes. It recognises the need to ensure quality Maori participation in the consultation process. The Consultation Policy also recognises the diversity that exists within Maori communities and the importance of involving the widest possible range of Maori representation appropriate to an issue.

The Long Term Plan (LTP) and Annual Plan recognise the requirements of the Local Government Act 2002 in relation to Maori. They also recognise the status and purpose of the Te Manawhenua Forum Mo Matamata-Piako. Several issues which impact on Maori have been identified within the LTP and Annual Plan.

The District Plan must take in to consideration the relationship between Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu, and other taonga. The District Plan recognises the need for greater Maori involvement in local control and decision making processes and the protection of Maori heritage.

Council’s Resource Consent process ensures that the Iwi issues and concerns are appropriately dealt with at the level of individual Resource Consents. This is set out in a Protocol with Iwi for Resource Consent applications under the Resource Management Act 1991.

Council also has Tangata Whenua Engagement Guideline and Protocols which were developed in conjunction with Te Manawhenua Forum mo Matamata-Piako. The Guideline provides a range of tools and advice to help plan effective engagement while the protocols provide practical information about use of Te Reo/Maaori (the language of Iwi/Maaori), Marae protocols etc. The aim is to ensure that engagement is meaningful and leads to positive outcomes for Iwi/Maaori, Council and the wider community.