Latest news with #TreatyPartnership
Scoop
14-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Iwi Hosts Meeting With Multiple Crown Agencies For New Strategy
Press Release – Ngati Kahungunu ki Tamaki-nui-a-Rua The inaugural hui was a formal discussion to begin to realise the opportunities of He Kawenata Hu, a commitment included in the iwis Treaty settlement legislation, Settlement Trust Chair Paora Ammunson says. Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust has met with senior officials from 12 Crown agencies to begin the development of a new strategy to transform social and economic outcomes for whānau. Crown representatives travelled to Masterton to meet with the iwi on Wednesday 9 July, including from: Health NZ; the Ministries of Education, Social Development, Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Justice, Housing and Urban Development; Oranga Tamariki; NZ Police; Department of Corrections; Te Puni Kōkiri; Social Investment Agency; and Ministry for Primary Industries. Settlement Trust Chair, Paora Ammunson, said the inaugural hui was a formal discussion to begin to realise the opportunities of 'He Kawenata Hōu', a commitment included in the iwi's Treaty settlement legislation. 'Our settlement was signed back in 2021 and included a new covenant – He Kawenata Hōu – as the platform for us to build a new Tiriti relationship between Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua and the Crown,' said Mr Ammunson. 'Having these senior government officials all come to us here in Masterton, signifies the unique and ongoing nature of He Kawenata Hōu. 'We are talking about a foundational strategy for the social and economic revitalisation of our iwi. Crucially, we must plan how to address the severe inequities that our whānau are facing.' Mr Ammunson said that the development of the strategy was an important opportunity for the Crown and its responsible agencies to demonstrate their commitment to authentic Treaty Partnership. 'Our iwi is committed to making this mahi our priority focus, and as our Treaty partner, we expect the Crown to do the same. 'Discussions with these agencies so far have been positive and supportive of our hapū-led approach.' Settlement Trust Group Chief Executive, Ray Hall, said yesterday's inaugural meeting in Masterton was a significant step for all parties. 'We are encouraged by the shared willingness to explore practical initiatives that will start to make a real difference for whānau who are facing serious deprivation in our communities,' Mr Hall said. 'Our goal is to enable our whānau to thrive in their daily lives, across all areas of hauora including health, education, employment, income, housing and cultural connection.' Mr Hall said that the overarching strategy is expected to be developed over the coming months and finalised later this year. Notes: Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua are mana whenua iwi of the Wairarapa and Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (Dannevirke) regions. Their rohe (tribal area) extends from Turakirae in the south, to the headwaters of the Manawatū Awa in the Ruahine Ranges in the North, to Poroporo at Cape Turnagain on the eastern coast. Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust is the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) responsible for receiving and administering settlement assets on behalf of the iwi.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Iwi Hosts Meeting With Multiple Crown Agencies For New Strategy
Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust has met with senior officials from 12 Crown agencies to begin the development of a new strategy to transform social and economic outcomes for whānau. Crown representatives travelled to Masterton to meet with the iwi on Wednesday 9 July, including from: Health NZ; the Ministries of Education, Social Development, Business, Innovation & Employment (MBIE), Justice, Housing and Urban Development; Oranga Tamariki; NZ Police; Department of Corrections; Te Puni Kōkiri; Social Investment Agency; and Ministry for Primary Industries. Settlement Trust Chair, Paora Ammunson, said the inaugural hui was a formal discussion to begin to realise the opportunities of 'He Kawenata Hōu', a commitment included in the iwi's Treaty settlement legislation. 'Our settlement was signed back in 2021 and included a new covenant – He Kawenata Hōu – as the platform for us to build a new Tiriti relationship between Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua and the Crown,' said Mr Ammunson. 'Having these senior government officials all come to us here in Masterton, signifies the unique and ongoing nature of He Kawenata Hōu. 'We are talking about a foundational strategy for the social and economic revitalisation of our iwi. Crucially, we must plan how to address the severe inequities that our whānau are facing.' Mr Ammunson said that the development of the strategy was an important opportunity for the Crown and its responsible agencies to demonstrate their commitment to authentic Treaty Partnership. 'Our iwi is committed to making this mahi our priority focus, and as our Treaty partner, we expect the Crown to do the same. 'Discussions with these agencies so far have been positive and supportive of our hapū-led approach.' Settlement Trust Group Chief Executive, Ray Hall, said yesterday's inaugural meeting in Masterton was a significant step for all parties. 'We are encouraged by the shared willingness to explore practical initiatives that will start to make a real difference for whānau who are facing serious deprivation in our communities,' Mr Hall said. 'Our goal is to enable our whānau to thrive in their daily lives, across all areas of hauora including health, education, employment, income, housing and cultural connection.' Mr Hall said that the overarching strategy is expected to be developed over the coming months and finalised later this year. Notes: Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua are mana whenua iwi of the Wairarapa and Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua (Dannevirke) regions. Their rohe (tribal area) extends from Turakirae in the south, to the headwaters of the Manawatū Awa in the Ruahine Ranges in the North, to Poroporo at Cape Turnagain on the eastern coast. Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa Tāmaki-nui-a-Rua Settlement Trust is the Post-Settlement Governance Entity (PSGE) responsible for receiving and administering settlement assets on behalf of the iwi.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
Press Release – Canterbury Regional Council Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Canterbury's Regional Council Moving Forward In The Face Of Change
The Chair of Canterbury's regional council says the Council is taking every opportunity to advocate for the region, amidst significant reforms and changes being made by central government. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) Chair Craig Pauling said the proposed changes to freshwater, primary sector and infrastructure national direction were just the latest example of government reforms impacting the region. 'The changes being made by central government will impact on the way local and regional governments operate, and how natural resources are managed under the RMA (Resource Management Act 1991). As Councillors, we want to ensure Canterbury can enjoy the opportunities – and avoid the pitfalls – that these changes may present.' Chair Pauling said while clear national standards support greater regulatory certainty, consistency and improved compliance, there are unique issues in Waitaha Canterbury that justify a more sophisticated, locally informed and evidenced approach. 'Waitaha is unlike any other region in Aotearoa. We have about 70 per cent of the country's groundwater, braided rivers, coastal environments, and highly productive farmland. We also have a unique partnership with Ngāi Tahu as mana whenua. 'We want to make sure that any decisions made by central government value existing land uses, such as food production, and enable new opportunities and resource uses, while safeguarding the region's environmental and cultural health for future generations.' Chair Pauling also referenced Council's recent strategic work. 'We have a set of shared positions that we agree on as a Council, that cover a range of issues impacting the region. The Council's positions relate to managing environmental effects, managing natural resource use, economic prosperity, structure of local, regional and central government, and Treaty Partnership.' 'Our Council is clear about what outcomes we want to achieve for the region. Alongside Te Uru Kahika and our partners, with a view across Te Waipounamu, we welcome the opportunity to inform central government decisions and, together, make these outcomes a reality,' he said. Canterbury Regional Council Deputy Chair Dr Deon Swiggs outlined how the national direction package is one example of Government's work programme that puts increased pressure on regional government and ratepayers. 'Resource management system reforms, Local Government Act amendment, changes to legislation around Te Tiriti partnership and transport funding decisions — these are all changes coming our way from central government. Whether you think they're good or bad, these reforms all impact on elected members' ability to make decisions for our community. 'The current structure and funding of local government across Aotearoa New Zealand is unsustainable and we all agree that change is needed. We look forward to having some crunchy conversations over the coming months, within the Council and with others in the region, to develop a collective vision of what might work best for Waitaha Canterbury,' he said. Deputy Swiggs reaffirmed that the council was united in its position and agreed that change was needed. 'We need greater regulatory clarity and certainty, as well as better alignment between central, regional, and local government. We are taking a strategic approach so that we can be clear, to government and our communities, about what we need and want for Waitaha Canterbury. 'We need to strike an approach that values our community and environment's needs, that allows us to adapt and explore exciting opportunities for the region such as tourism, aerospace, renewable energy, and other emerging innovations,' he said. Chair Pauling and Deputy Swiggs reinforced Canterbury Regional Council's commitment to proactively work with its partners to improve economic and environmental outcomes for the region. Environment Canterbury Councillors endorsed a range of public positions relating to central government reform and issues impacting the region at the May 2025 Council meeting.
