Co-Governance Committee Co-Chairs commit to ongoing relationship

Tūrangi Co-Governance Committee Co-Chairs Te Wharau Walker Junior and Taupō District Mayor John Funnell have committed to continuing to work together for betterment of the Tūrangi community.

Following the Government’s announcement yesterday that existing Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreements will not continue under the future resource management system, both Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council remain committed to their relationship and to ensuring that the spirit of partnership continues. They will continue to work alongside each other, with their respective entities, in the best interests of Tūrangi and the wider Taupō district.

Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Taupō District Council entered into a Mana Whakahono agreement in 2022 which has allowed the two entities to develop a shared approach to engagement, decision-making and resolving issues together.

The partnership has supported a number of significant initiatives in Tūrangi, including the construction of Te Mataapuna Sports Facility, the development of the Te Kapua Park playground, the preparation of the Tūrangi Reserves Management Plan, and the development of the Tūrangi Community Partnership Plan.

Co-Chair Te Wharau Walker Junior said Mana Whakahono has provided a meaningful way for Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Council to work together as partners.

"Our experience here in Tūrangi shows that Mana Whakahono works. It has provided a practical way for us to engage early, build trust and work together on kaupapa that matter not only to our hapū, but to our wider community."

Co-Chair Mayor John Funnell said the relationship between Ngāti Turangitukua and Taupō District Council would endure.

“The agreement we have in Tūrangi recognises the fact that most of council’s assets sit on Turangitukua’s land and working together is a reflection of that deeper relationship. I am happy to see the gains we have made for the community over the past four years.

“Council has an ongoing relationship with Ngāti Tūrangitukua; and that relationship will continue.”