Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti holds first hui of the triennium

Kāpiti Coast District Council and mana whenua representatives have come together for the first meeting of Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti for the term.

Te Whakaminemga is long-standing partnership forum between the Council and mana whenua which has been in place for over thirty years. 

The hui was hosted at Raukawa Marae in Ōtaki on Tuesday and opened with a pōwhiri, welcoming elected members, mana whenua representatives, Council kaumātua, senior leadership, and members of the community.

Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti brings together representatives from Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, and Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki, alongside the Council, to uphold He Whakaaetanga Hononga (the partnership agreement) renewed in June this year. 

Mayor Janet Holborow said the hui reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to working in partnership with mana whenua and was a key part of the new Council’s induction.

“Our relationship with mana whenua is foundational to local governance in Kāpiti. This week’s hui was an important step in ensuring our elected members understand the history and values that underpin this long-standing partnership,” said Mayor Holborow.

“This triennium also marks a significant milestone with the election of the Council’s first Māori Ward representative, strengthening mana whenua voices in Council decision-making,” she said. 

Presentations led by each iwi formed a core part of the day, providing elected members with an opportunity to deepen their understanding of iwi perspectives and priorities. The day concluded with a session led by Te Rōpū Hononga-ā-Iwi – the Council’s Iwi Partnerships group.

Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti Chair Kim Tahiwi said mana whenua reaffirmed their priorities, grounded in the wellbeing of te taiao, whānau, and reo me ōna tikanga. 

“These enduring values continue to guide sustainable decision-making and uphold the traditions that have long protected our lands, waters, and our people,” said Kim Tahiwi.

“The strength of the ART Confederation - Ātiawa, Raukawa and Toa Rangatira - is grounded in kotahitanga. Mana whenua and kawanatanga must walk side-by-side to achieve a connected and sustainable Kāpiti.”

“Council and Community Board members were encouraged to find balance in their decisions by weighing short-term gains against long-term sustainability. This will require courage in the current climate, where many whānau and communities are struggling to meet basic needs such as food and shelter.” 

“Through kotahitanga, whanaungatanga, kaitiakitanga, and manaakitanga, we can ensure a thriving Kāpiti - mo ake tonu atu,” she said.

Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti has been a cornerstone of local governance since its establishment in 1995 following the original Memorandum of Partnership signing in 1994, ensuring iwi voices are heard in matters affecting the district.