Tangata whenua holds hui with Otago Regional Council

A two day hui was recently held on Otakou Marae with leaders of the four Papatipu Runanga of Kai Tahu ki Otago and Councillors of the Otago Regional Council (ORC). Mark Solomon and Anake Goodall from the Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu head office also attended parts of the hui. In addition representatives of Murihiku (Southland) Runanga attended in support of the hui.

Otakou Runanga Chairman Edward Ellison said that local runanga had worked closely with the ORC for many years and had a good working relationship, but that the changing nature of resource management meant some reinvigoration to better meet the needs of Council and Ngai Tahu was needed from time to time.

Mr Ellison said there were many continuing and complex questions related to resource management that needed sustained dialogue between Iwi and Councils.

"We were pleased to welcome ORC Chairman Stephen Cairns, councillors and executives overnight to the Marae," Mr Ellison said.

"It is timely that the elected Councillors were hosted on the Marae, since most of our meetings in the past have been for short visits associated with formal activities or with other groups.

"This hui gave all of us a good chance to know each other's perspectives and deepen our discussions about the management of Otago's natural resources," Mr Ellison said.

Otakou Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu representative, Tahu Potiki, said the Resource Management Act required considerable consultation with Iwi on many resource consent applicants , which often posed challenges for both parties.

Iwi were mindful of their obligations to deal with applications in a timely manner at the same time as ensuring Tangata Whenua values were taken into account, Mr Potiki said.

"The ORC is the lead resource manager for Otago and we could discuss with them how we can progress resource management matters efficiently and effectively. A key discussion point is ensuring Iwi are well informed and able to proactively participate in the further development of the Regional Plan for Water," he said.

ORC Chairman Stephen Cairns said it was good to have a meeting of minds and discuss ways to help our Otago Runanga to be active treaty partners in Council's processes as is required by law.

Cr Cairns said ORC Chief Executive Graeme Martin and his directors were able to share their knowledge about resource management.

"All of us from ORC learned a great deal about the issues Maori are working hard to deal with, as they consult on resource plans and consent applications that are technically very demanding."

Cr Cairns said this was a first for ORC councillors in his time on Council and it had been a mutually beneficial experience.

Mr Potiki said the hui had strengthened the local and wider Ngai Tahu Iwi relationship with ORC.

He was certain both parties could build on this to make their partnership and future collaborations more effective for all concerned.