August 12, 2015

ORC welcomes strengthened relationship between local government and iwi

Otago Regional Council chairman Stephen Woodhead has welcomed the signing of a national agreement between local government and iwi which is designed to strengthen and formalise their working relationship.

The Memorandum of Understanding signed by Local Government New Zealand and the Iwi Chairs Forum last week will build on local relationships various councils have with iwi and hapu, and in particular those between regional councils and the Freshwater Iwi Leaders Group.

The MOU identifies important common interests, and supports and encourages strong and constructive relationships between councils and iwi to achieve statutory obligations, and address local and regional resource management issues.

Mr Woodhead said there were already strong linkages between Kai Tahu in Otago and Southland with councils in both regions which were working well.

ORC also has an established relationship with Kai Tahu based around the Treaty of Waitangi.

The Kai Tahu resource management company KTKO Ltd and ORC collaborate on a regular basis with Otago councils, which helps ensure iwi participation in resource management, and also helps the councils fulfil their statutory obligations to iwi.

In ORC’s proposed Regional Policy Statement, Kai Tahu says it values its relationship with the council and is committed to working with the wider community towards a positive future for all people in Otago.

Mr Woodhead said the Otago partnerships embody the treaty principles in decision-making and local environmental management, and would be supported by the LGNZ memorandum.

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