What is Mana Whakahono?

This is an abridged version of the speech by Hinerauamoa Mohi, Chairperson of the Ngāti Tūrangitukua Māori Committee.

This moment marks a significant milestone in our journey with the Taupō District Council, and while it is a significant milestone, it is only the beginning of the journey.

Ngāti Tūrangitukua has come a long way since the Ngāti Tūrangitukua Waitangi Claim relating to the compulsory acquisition of land for the construction of the Tongariro Power Project and the creation of Tūrangi township and the ensuing Deed of Settlement signed in September of 1998.

This Deed, while it made possible a range of reparations for the Crown’s significant breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi forced a dialogue between the Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua.

This collaboration has resulted in an agreement that goes beyond the Mana Whakahono mechanism that sits in the 1991 Resource Management Act, to encompass matters to do with the Local Government Act, the Reserve Act, and includes a range of matters covering policy, planning and operations.

These matters are now embedded in a more progressive, contemporary, and collaborative framework.

A co-governance committee, comprising equal numbers of Ngāti Tūrangitukua and Council appointees, will give effect to the agreement in November of this year after the disestablishment of the present Tongariro - Tūrangi Community Board.

Our new Mana Whakahono agreement also gives effect to the principles embedded in the Treaty of Waitangi: partnership and participation and through co-governance creates space for a degree of autonomy which we are optimistic, will enable us to give effect to the aspirations that flow from our Deed of Settlement.

As Mahlon Nepia said when he was referring to remedial action; “what is necessary to set us on the road to economic and cultural health.”

We, Ngāti Tūrangitukua, contend that this agreement is a step forward on that road to economic and cultural health. It is no longer a matter of choice but ‘iron necessity’ that through co-governance we recalibrate the balance of power to ensure that we have real control over our future and with that explore together. As genuine partners.

It is vital that we participate in decision making that affects our land, environment, and the wellbeing of our people.

In signing this document, we demonstrate that we look forward to working in the spirit of co-operation and commitment to creating a shared vision of partnership ready to embrace the challenges of diversity, inclusion, equity, and justice.