Opportunities for shared decision making between Council and Iwi
Discussions with Ngti Tkwharetoa over possible shared decision making for resource consents on Mori multiple owned freehold land between TaupM District Council and the Tkwharetoa Mori Trust Board is moving forward.
A first for New Zealand, this proposed agreement provides for Ngti Tkwharetoa to select representatives to join TaupM District Councillors in hearing resource consents on Mori multiple owned freehold lands.
This partnership will be considered by Ngti Tkwharetoa at a hui on the 11th of October 2008 at Pukawa Marae.
TaupM Mayor Rick Cooper says, “I am very proud to be a part of this landmark decision. If ratified by Ngti Tkwharetoa, the agreement will usher in a new era of collaboration between Council and Tngata Whenua.”
He says, “given the importance of Ngti Tkwharetoa in the TaupM District, it is fitting that some real authority and input into the decision making process is available to them.”
In excess of 50% of freehold land in the TaupM District is in Mori ownership.