Message from Mana Whenua

Me huri whakamuri, ka titiro whakamua

Drawing from our past to inform our future

For almost 20 years, Mana Whenua – the iwi who have authority in the district – have been involved in the development of the Council’s long-term plans. The Long-term Plan for 2021–41 is a milestone because for the first time we explicitly enshrine the relationship between Mana Whenua and Kaunihera – Council – as key to the future of our district’s development.

Aspiring to a mutually mana-enhancing partnership

Working with Mana Whenua representatives – from Ngāti Raukawa au ki te Tonga, Te Āti Awa ki Whakarongotai, and Ngāti Toa Rangatira iwi – councillors have developed a community outcome highlighting the importance of the Mana Whenua–Council relationship and how it contributes to all the other outcomes.

The outcome is simple but powerful: Mana Whenua and Council have a mutually mana-enhancing partnership. This outcome recognises that we must each share our knowledge and world views, Te Ao Māori and Te Ao Pākehā, and partner to identify and achieve Mana Whenua wellbeing goals which will contribute to the wellbeing of our whole community.

Setting in place a framework: Te Kaupapa Mātua

Together we have also developed Council’s first Te Kaupapa Mātua – our overarching framework. You will see this illustrated in the pā harakeke diagram on the following pages.

The harakeke, which are so abundant on our Kāpiti Coast, are a symbol of whānau, relationship and nurturing. The illustration shows the relationship between Mana Whenua and Kaunihera at the heart of our activities for the community and the wider relationships that surround the work of Council and our combined efforts to care for our people. The principles which are shown as the roots of the plant – growing and sustaining it – are the principles we have committed to in our partnership.

Supporting our future generations to flourish

Focusing on a strong relationship between Mana Whenua and Council is vital at this point in our district’s long history, as this plan will set our direction for the challenging years ahead. We need to respond to those challenges – climate change, growth, resilience and the others outlined in this document – in a way which respects our past and supports our future generations to flourish.

Mana Whenua encourage all people who call the Kāpiti Coast home to participate in this Long-term Plan consultation and give your views.

Rupene Waaka
Chair, Te Whakaminenga o Kāpiti