The Vision from Tangata Whenua - English Translation

The mana whenua base their vision on four main principles:

Principle one

Whakawhanaungatanga/Manaakitanga – the marae is our principal home which ties us to our whenua and is the physical embodiment of our ancestors. The wellbeing and health of the iwi and their marae can often determine the emotional, spiritual, and physical wellbeing of the people who belong to the iwi. Marae are important sites for the practical expression of kaupapa Māori. It is the place where distinguished manuhiri (visitors) are to be extended a welcome and hospitality, and where families meet for significant events. For Māori, the marae is ‘Te tūrangawaewae o te iwi – the standing place of the people’. The marae is held in high esteem by many and considered to be a place of special significance. Land, language and kinship along with marae, provide a sense of cultural identity and the continuity of a Māori identity throughout political, cultural, social and economic change. In addition, they are store houses of taonga (treasures).

Principle two

Te Reo Māori – it is the language of the tangata whenua through which tikanga is conveyed; kawa and wairua is expressed. Te Reo Māori is an official language of New Zealand. It is fundamental that the language, as a deeply treasured taonga left by our Māori ancestors, is nurtured throughout all levels of the community and that the language continues to prosper and future generations are encouraged to use it.

Principle three

Kotahitanga – through unity, tangata whenua and communities have strength. Working together we can ensure that our district’s heritage, cultural development, health, education and economy 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 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 tangata whenua represent and engage effectively, where appropriate, with agencies and communities;
That whānau and hapū have the capacity to engage effectively where appropriate with agencies and communities;
That Māori representation in local government is improved;
That tangata whenua creative talents are fostered and encouraged;
That the district builds a world class economic development plan to attract international investment;
That tangata whenua are fostered to build Māori interest in food, culture, lifestyle and tourism sectors;
That the community have good access to health services;
Young people of Kāpiti are supported to reach their full potential;
People know about the Māori names for the original landscape, heritage, wāhi tapu and that Māori names for streets and future settlements are adopted;
That tangata whenua play a strong/central role in district planning, particularly around capacity of resources, water use, and the quality and nature of settlements;
That there is a strong and effective partnership between tangata whenua, the Kāpiti Coast District Council and Greater Wellington Regional Council;
That tangata whenua are involved in citizenship processes with new immigrants;
That the council assists tangata whenua in the development of iwi plans;
That tangata whenua tangible and spiritual connection/association to the land, wāhi tapu and natural and physical resources is represented, understood and respected;
That in accordance with Māori tikanga and lore, mātā waka are embraced and protected by the mana and rangatiratanga of the tangata whenua;
That within the Memorandum between Te Āti Awa, Ngāti Raukawa, Ngāti Toa Rangatira and Council, provisions are made for any mandated mātā waka to participate further, should they choose to;
That the district appreciates tikanga Māori.

Updated 4 May 2023