The Vision from Tangata Whenua – English Translation

The tangata whenua base their vision on four main principles:

Principle One

Whakawhanaungatanga/Manaakitanga – The marae is our principal home which ties tangata whenua to our areas through the physical embodiment of our ancestors and remains well maintained and thoroughly respected. The wellbeing and health of the marae determines the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the people.

Marae are important sites for the practical expression of mātauranga māori. It is the place where distinguished manuhiri (visitors) are to be extended hospitality, and where extended families meet for significant events. For Māori the marae is ‘Te tūranga o te iwi – the standing place of the people’. The marae is held in high esteem and considered to be a place of special significance. Land, language and kinship along with marae, provide a sense of cultural continuity and identity for Māori throughout cultural, social and economic change. In addition, they are store houses of tāonga (treasures).

Principle Two

Te Reo Māori – It is the language of the tangata whenua through which tikanga is conveyed and kawa is upheld. Te Reo Māori is an official language of New Zealand. It is fundamental that the language, as a deeply treasured tāonga left by our ancestors, is nurtured throughout the community and that the language continues to prosper and encourage future generations.

Principle Three

Kotahitanga – Through unity, tangata whenua and communities have strength. Working together we can ensure that our District’s heritage, cultural development, health and education flourish.

Principle Four

Tino Rangatiratanga – to exercise self determination and self governance with regard to all tribal matters. The Vision includes:

That the tangata whenua role of kaitiaki/kaitiakitanga within the District is strong and effective and encompasses both the environmental and general wellbeing of the community;
That people feel comfortable in use of Te Reo Māori and English – supporting the notion of Ōtaki as a bilingual community;
All waterways are healthy and able to be used as traditional food resources taking into account tangata whenua environmental indicators;
That the rūnanga of the tangata whenua engage effectively, where appropriate, with agencies and communities;
That whānau and hapū are well established and able to engage effectively where appropriate with agencies and communities;
That Māori representation is improved in local government within three years;
That tangata whenua artistic talents are fostered and successful;
That the District is internationally recognised as world class for food, culture, lifestyle and tourism;
That tangata whenua economic development strategies are fostered;
That the community have good access to health services;
Young people are supported to reach their full potential;
People know about tangata whenua names for the original landscape, heritage, wāhi tapu and that tangata whenua names for streets, etc, are adopted;
That tangata whenua play a strong/central role in district development particularly around capacity of resources, water use, and the quality and nature of settlements;
That there is a strong and effective three-way partnership between tangata whenua, the Kāpiti Coast District Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council;
That tangata whenua are closely involved in citizenship processes with new immigrants;
That the Council assists tangata whenua in the development of iwi management plans;
That tangata whenua intangible and spiritual connection/association to the land, wāhi tapu and natural and physical resources is represented, understood and respected;
That the District appreciates law and lore.

Updated 3 June 2025