Source: Auckland Council
Auckland Council’s relationships with mana whenua and Māori communities have been the focus of a Tāmaki Ora report on Iwi Ora, recently presented to the Community Committee.
Iwi Ora is a key focus area in the council’s Tāmaki Ora Māori Outcomes Strategy and Performance Measurement Framework 2025–2027. It aims to develop meaningful, long-term relationships with mana whenua, so that iwi can better contribute to the decisions that shape Tāmaki Makaurau and their communities.
The report includes feedback from Auckland’s 19 mana whenua iwi entities and a review of council processes on engagement.
It highlights the high level of engagement with mana whenua across the council group, but which is sometimes fragmented, inconsistent, and not always well connected to decision-making.
Nick Turoa, Tumuaki Huanga Māori – Director Māori Outcomes, says a more co-ordinated approach has now been adopted through the Mana ki te Mana framework, alongside a review of governance forums, and improvements in how engagement is planned and aligned.
“This report shows that we are moving in the right direction, but we’re always looking at how we can do things better,” says Mr Turoa.
“While it’s encouraging to see improved trust and partnership and a significant level of engagement happening throughout the organisation, it has not always been easy to navigate for our iwi partners.
“We are now looking to have fewer, more meaningful engagements that are better connected to decision-making, and will support respectful relationships that are grounded in tikanga Māori.”
Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust Chief Executive Edward Ashby says that Te Kawerau ā Maki, mana whenua of Te Wao Nui a Tiriwa / the Waitākere Ranges and in West Auckland, has in the past experienced challenges navigating the council’s structure and engaging effectively.
“However, over the past year, the council has listened and considered our feedback well, which has resulted in significant steps being made. We’ve been able to formalise the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement, which is an amazing outcome for the future,” says Mr Ashby. “We’re happy with the direction of travel.”
Fletcher Beazley, from Ngāti Rehua ki Aotea (Great Barrier Island), says his iwi has sometimes been overwhelmed by the volume of correspondence from the council.
“As an unsettled iwi, Ngāti Rehua has limited capacity to respond to the needs of our people.
“It is critical that we prioritise projects that provide the greatest benefit such as advocating for a sealed road on Aotea to ensure safe access to our 2 marae.
“We are grateful for the work the council does to support us to increase our capacity to engage and connect with our people.”
As part of Mana ki te Mana, twice-yearly hui are held with each iwi entity and relevant council leaders. Known as Huinga Rangatira / gathering of leaders, these meetings discuss aspirations, long-term priorities and partnership opportunities, ensuring engagement is iwi-centred rather than driven by council processes.
The Iwi Ora report is the first in a series of “spotlight” updates planned for the Community Committee, focusing on seven interconnected outcomes within Tāmaki Ora. The next Tāmaki Ora report with a spotlight on Marae Ora will be presented on 25 June.
Original source: https://nz.mil-osi.com/2026/06/09/auckland-council-focuses-on-strengthening-partnerships-with-mana-whenua/