Mana Whenua and Kāpiti Coast District Council partnership renewed

Long-standing Mana Whenua and Kāpiti Coast District Council partnership renewed with Agreement Te Whakaminenga o Kapiti – He Whakaaetanga Hononga

Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki hāpū and whānau and Kāpiti Coast District Council renewed their Partnership Agreement at a Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti 30-year anniversary event, hosted by Raukawa Marae, Ōtaki on Friday 27 June 2025.

The Agreement builds upon the foundations laid by the original Whakahoatanga Manatu, Memorandum of Partnership signed in 1994 - one of the longest standing partnerships between Mana Whenua and local government in Aotearoa New Zealand.

Kāpiti Coast District Mayor Janet Holborow said Council recognises the important and unique roles both iwi and Council play in defining future-focused outcomes for the district.

“The new Partnership Agreement reaffirms Council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and our partnership with Mana Whenua Iwi, while recognising Council’s responsibilities under the Local Government Act,” said Mayor Holborow.

“Forged from the call to recognise wāhi tapu in Council’s district planning 30 years ago, today the taiao and aspirations and priorities of Mana Whenua are an important part of Council’s decision-making. Our renewed partnership will contribute to continuous improvement in this area.

“Like our mutual trust and respect, our partnership has deepened over time.

“Together, we navigate Government reform, ensuring as land use rules change and our district grows, we continue to put our people, place, and partnership first.”

Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti Chair Kim Tahiwi says the Agreement is a living document grounded in Te Tiriti and shaped by tikanga and guided by shared values.

“The Agreement introduces the mātāpono (principles) of Kotahitanga (collective leadership), Rangatiratanga (self-determined leadership), Whanaungatanga (sustaining relationships) and Manaakitanga (upholding mana) as a guiding framework,” said Ms Tahiwi.

“It reflects our intent to lead together with integrity, relate to one another, respond to challenges, and carry out our responsibilities across time, projects and governance changes. 

“This in turn builds strong foundations for our mokopuna and upholds the mana of our respective roles and communities.

“The Agreement is not just a piece of paper; it’s the weight of those who came before us and the responsibility of those who will follow. It is another step in the right direction, but the momentum needs to carry on.”

In his addressing speech Rupene Waaka, MC of the event, gave the whakapapa of the naming of Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti.

“The use of “Whakaminenga” should not be missed as it was the cornerstone of He Whakaputanga o te Rangatiratanga o Niu Tireni, the Declaration of Independence of the United Tribes of New Zealand signed in 1835,” said Mr Waaka.

“The signing by Council and hāpu and whānau is not just a procedural milestone, it’s a reaffirmation of our commitment to partnership, to equity, and to honouring the mana of all those who came before us.

“It is also a challenge – to ensure that future generations inherit not just the documents we sign, but the values we uphold.”

The passing of Te Rakauoteora Te Maipi, Koro Don Te Maipi was acknowledged on the day. A taonga, a humble leader, whānau member and friend, Koro Don was an integral part of connecting iwi and Council’s kaupapa for more than 25 years. He embodied the partnership agreement principles, especially Manaakitanga and Whanaungatanga – caring for others and the value of family.

Editor’s notes:

The 1994 Whakahoatanga Manatu Memorandum of Partnership was signed by the late Te Pehi Parata, and Rupene Waaka, John Barrett, Miria Pomare, Councillor Harold Thomas, and the late Mayor Brett Ambler.

In 1995, Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti, a forum created for decision making and collaborative engagement on mutually agreed priorities, was established.

More recently, one representative from each Mana Whenua partner with full voting rights was appointed to Council committees and a seat at all Council meetings was extended to iwi representatives to ensure their important perspectives are included in decision making. 

Council has also reaffirmed its decision to establish the Kapiti Coast Māori ward, which is in place for this year’s local elections.

Ngāti Toa Rangatira, Ātiawa ki Whakarongotai, and Ngā Hapū o Ōtaki hāpū and whānau and Council Partnership Agreement signatories.