Water Restriction Level 2
Council has an obligation to take into account the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and to recognise and provide for the special relationships between Māori, their culture, traditions, land and taonga. Council’s relationship with and approach to engagement with Māori can be viewed here
The obligation to consult includes recognising those who hold Mana Whenua status or inherited rights of land ownership. Read more here
Te Tiriti o Waitangi has a significant effect on the functions of Hutt City Council. Council is clear that it has a relationship with iwi resident within the City. This relationship includes the acknowledgement of Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o Te Ika and Ngāti Toa Rangatira as Mana Whenua and kaitiaki (those with authority and guardianship over their tribal territory).
Open and honest communication between Council and Māori is an important step in strengthening this relationship. In order to improve Council's relationship with Māori, the following is used as a strategic guideline:
- To acknowledge the role of Mana Whenua (authority over tribal territory).
- To give effect to the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- To maintain and improve opportunities for Māori to contribute to local government decision-making processes.
- To promote tikanga Māori throughout Council.
- To take up opportunities where Māori, as a major contributor to economic and social improvement, offers to advance the best interest of Hutt citizens as a whole.