Source: Herenga ā Nuku – the Outdoor Access Commission
Auckland councillors’ proposal for tangata whenua to be part of a committee overseeing the Waitākere Ranges will support public access to the area, according to Herenga ā Nuku, the Outdoor Access Commission.
“Based on our expertise negotiating public outdoor access, we believe the joint committee proposed in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement can play a vital coordination and communication role in shaping long-term public access in the area”, Herenga ā Nuku acting chief executive Phil Culling says.
The background to the comment is that in 2008, the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act said the nationally significant area required protection. This would involve a Deed of Acknowledgement that the Auckland Council, the Crown and nominated iwi would enter into.
Under the proposal, a joint committee would be created with equal representation from Auckland Council, the Crown, represented by the Department of Conservation, and tangata whenua – specifically, Te Kawerau ā Maki. Ngāti Whātua is also named in the Act as tangata whenua. Their ability to be part of the Deed will be kept open and discussions are ongoing.
The proposed Deed applies only to public land owned or managed by the Crown or the council within the heritage area. It does not apply to private land or water and will not replace existing governance structures.
Aucklanders need sustainable public access to the Waitākere Ranges, and that requires a strong framework for authentic dialogue, Culling says.
“It is the largest publicly accessible outdoor space near New Zealand’s biggest city. Herenga ā Nuku Aotearoa, the Outdoor Access Commission, believes that achieving free, certain, enduring, and practical outdoor public access relies on talking and listening to each other in an ongoing dialogue.”
Many community groups and individuals currently struggle to understand who is managing outdoor public access in the Waitākere Ranges, Culling adds.
“The joint committee could create and implement a long-term strategic plan for the Heritage Area. But, more importantly, it would have the authority and respect to coordinate all the people with an interest in the Waitākere Ranges, improve communication, and increase collaboration.”
“We also support the joint committee’s advocacy role, championing the Waitākere Ranges and raising awareness of their national significance and their significance for tangata whenua. This shared understanding is key to providing long-term recreation and public access.”
