Our engagement and relationships with Māori are founded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi as well as subsequent legislation such as the Local Government Act 2002, the Resource Management Act 1991 and Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act 1998.

We acknowledge the intertwined histories, values, and aspirations that shape Ōtautahi Christchurch. We recognise the takiwā of Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga, Te Hapū o Ngāti Wheke, Te Rūnanga o Koukourārata, Ōnuku Rūnanga, Wairewa Rūnanga, and Te Taumutu Rūnanga within our district.

Since 2015, the relationship anchored by the Te Hononga Council – Papatipu Rūnanga Agreement ensures both governance and ongoing kōrero between the Council and Ngā Pāpatipu Rūnanga. The Council’s partnership with Ngā Pāpatipu Rūnanga ensures that the views and values of mana whenua are considered across Council activities as we make decisions about the district, its resources and the environment.

As part of the development of the Long Term Plan 2024–34, Ngā Papatipu Rūnanga shared their priorities, many of which are rooted in infrastructure. These included:

  • Enabling and providing affordable housing.
  • Ensuring access to safe drinking water supplies, protecting water sources, and conducting water quality monitoring.
  • Managing stormwater systems to protect land, property, waterways, and mahinga kai, with a focus on sediment reduction.
  • Protecting and enhancing reserves and native biodiversity.
  • Collaborating with local communities and marae to develop adaptation plans for areas at risk of coastal hazards.
  • Providing fit-for-purpose infrastructure, such as roads, footpaths, and wharves, that enable access to local areas, sites of significance, waterways, and coastal waters.
  • Exploring the possibility of transferring Council-owned land, of cultural significance, to mana whenua.

These priorities, along with others, continue to shape our infrastructure investments in this Annual Plan. The Council is committed to engaging more effectively with Māori to ensure they have opportunities to contribute to decision-making processes.