Strengthening partnership in Tūrangi

Ka hui nei tātou te pūkai matakirikiri o Tūrangitukua

It was a busy few days in Tūrangi last week with our co-governance committee meeting followed by an induction by Ngāti Tūrangitukua for the new Council and staff.

At the Wednesday co-governance meeting discussions centred around the Tūrangi Master Plan and designs for the new Tūrangi public toilets. The new toilets will be constructed off-site then installed at the location of the existing toilets, and will feature both standard cubicles and a larger accessibility cubicle with baby changing table. The committee and project team are also working to make the exterior design of the toilets something unique to the area. The next co-governance meeting is scheduled for 6 May at Te Mataapuna and is open to the public.

On Thursday Ngāti Tūrangitukua facilitated an induction for elected members and Council staff at Te Mataapuna, outlining the history of the area, their narratives, settlement outcomes, and discussing how Council and the hapū can work more closely together.

“It was a really good couple of days in Tūrangi, progressing key projects and building connections through the induction,” says Co-Chair Te Wharau Walker Jr.

“Being able to share this space with councillors and staff is a really important step for growing our partnership and keeping things moving for Tūrangi.”

“This induction has provided essential knowledge that will strengthen our ability to work effectively and respectfully alongside Ngāti Tūrangitukua,” says Mayor John Funnell, who attended the meeting.

“Understanding the history, settlement outcomes, and formal principles of our relationship agreement gives us a stronger foundation for fostering enduring relationships, meaningful engagement and collaborative decision-making. I’d like to thank Ngāti Tūrangitukua for sharing their knowledge and expertise, and commitment to this important relationship.”