Māori partnership | te tūhono ki te Māori
Embedding Te Tiriti o Waitangi at the Heart of Council
Dunedin City Council (DCC) is committed to becoming an organisation that actively upholds the principles of The Treaty of Waitangi. As part of this commitment, we are making significant changes to embed these principles across all levels of our work – from governance to everyday operations.
Strengthening Relationships with Mana Whenua and Mātāwaka
Since 2021, the DCC has made strong progress in deepening its relationships with mana whenua and mātāwaka in Ōtepoti Dunedin. A key milestone was the signing of the Whakaaetaka Manatū Relationship Agreement – an updated version of the original 2006 Memorandum of Understanding – between Te Rūnanga o Ōtākou, Kāti Huirapa Rūnaka ki Puketeraki, and the DCC.
This agreement reaffirms our shared commitment to an active partnership that works collaboratively to achieve equitable outcomes for all whānau in Ōtepoti Dunedin.
Te Pae Māori – A Governance-Level Partnership
The Whakaaetaka Manatū Relationship Agreement established Te Pae Māori, a mana-to-mana governance forum. Te Pae Māori brings together kā rūnaka, mātāwaka, and the DCC to engage in open, strategic kōrero that informs decision-making and strengthens mutual understanding.
A central focus of Te Pae Māori is guiding the development, implementation, and monitoring of Te Taki Haruru – the DCC’s Māori Strategic Framework, adopted in September 2023.
Te Taki Haruru – Māori Strategic Framework
Co-developed with mana whenua, Te Taki Haruru is a values-based framework grounded in the shared vision of Kāika Ōtepoti, Kāika Ora – A Thriving Home, A Thriving Village. It sets out a coordinated and enduring approach for supporting intergenerational Māori wellbeing across Ōtepoti.
Rooted in Kāi Tahu reo, mātauraka, and tikaka, the framework outlines four key principles and value sets that guide Council decision-making and engagement. It provides a pathway for embedding te ao Māori perspectives into Council policy, planning, and service delivery.
Taki Haruru also defines shared aspirations and success measures – developed with mana whenua and mātāwaka – across the four domains of wellbeing: environmental, cultural, social, and economic.
Building Capability Through the Pou
Three pou – Tū Kotahi, Tū Ake, and Tū Hono – are central to developing the DCC’s cultural capability. These pillars provide the foundation for understanding local history, te Tiriti, and the role of local government in upholding Māori rights and aspirations.
Turning Strategy Into Action
Implementing Taki Haruru is a key priority throughout the lifespan of the DCC’s 10-year plan and beyond. Our ability to bring this strategy to life depends on strong, collaborative partnerships with Māori. Through this work, we will continue to elevate the values, stories, and aspirations of tākata Māori as a vital part of our city’s future.