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Engaging with mana whenua

The following guidance is for people considering, or actively carrying out conservation activities, to engage well with mana whenua.

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Introduction

Auckland Council works in partnership with mana whenua to support kaitiakitanga and conservation leadership at place.

We encourage Aucklanders who are involved in conservation mahi (work) to engage with mana whenua. You, your group/organisation and your project can benefit from:

  • understanding the history of your area or site
  • being informed about the views of mana whenua
  • the opportunity to develop a shared direction and vision for the project.

The process below reflects mana whenua aspirations and with mana whenua, in partnership with Auckland Council's Environmental Services Department. We acknowledge that some mana whenua were not involved in creating this guidance and may have their own engagement preferences.

We encourage you to become familiar with the guidance below and contact Environmental Services staff in the first instance. Use the ‘Contact us’ button below. This follows the first ‘call to prepare' principle. We can then support you or your group/organisation with engagement.

Refer to the Auckland Council website for mana whenua engagement guidance relating to environmental activities that requires a resource or building consent.

Note: For resource or building consent consultations or related matters refer to the application information on the Auckland Council website to follow the process outlined.

Ko au te taiao ko te taiao ko au

I am the environment, and the environment is me

Traditional knowledge systems inform the tikanga and ways of working for mana whenua, in relation to te taiao (the natural environment). Tikanga is an essential principle in building and maintaining relationships. Tikanga has informed the process for engagement and the pōwhiri approach has guided the format. 

The engagement process for conservation projects is guided by three key principles:

  1. Mahi tuatahi: Karanga whakarite - the call to prepare
  2. Mahi tuarua: Whakawhitiwhiti kōrero - communication and relationship building
  3. Mahi tuatoru: Te hono whanaungatanga - taking the journey together.
A blue coloured graphic symbol featuring huia feathers.
This symbol represents leadership and the change mana whenua want to see for the environment. It is symbolised by the feather of the huia. The outer feathers are also adorned with the harakeke pattern which acknowledges the weaving of people and the restoration of the environment.
Photo credit: Te Haumanu Taiao: Restoring the natural environment

1. Mahi tuatahi: preparation 

This first step is to prepare well to ensure successful engagement with mana whenua.

First get in touch with Auckland Council's Environmental Services Department using the 'Contact us' button at the bottom of this webpage.

Environmental Services staff work closely with mana whenua as our Te Tiriti o Waitangi partners. We are well-placed to support collaborative partnerships between mana whenua and Aucklanders carrying out conservation of te taiao. 

Environmental Services staff can support you to:

  • identify the mana whenua entities relevant to your site or area
  • guide you to the Know your iwi information on this website
  • understand mana whenua expectations, priorities, interests, desired outcomes and values based on existing guidance from mana whenua, through key documents like iwi environmental management or taiao plans and other information we have access to 
  • provide guidance on what engagement might look and feel like. This will depend on the place, the project, if conservation efforts are already in progress or planned and the specific mana whenua entities involved.

The most important thing is relationships - having the cup of tea and getting to know each other without an agenda. It's important to take these opportunities when they arise. It may take a number of cups of tea before the time is right to progress to mahi related kōrero.

2. Mahi tuarua: communication and relationship building

The second step is to nurture relationships through the process of whakawhanaungatanga, between mana whenua and individuals/groups/organisations, that are beneficial to both parties.

Be sure to allow sufficient time for meaningful engagement. Mana whenua are called upon to partner and advise on a wide range of mahi in the region. Individuals/groups/organisations also need to consider mana whenua time and resource requirements within their project budgets and planning. Auckland Council can provide guidance regarding resourcing.

Environmental Services staff can facilitate an initial meeting between you and mana whenua to support the following:

Outlining the project details:

  • intentions of the project
  • timeline
  • what role you would like mana whenua to have in your project.

Whakawhiti korero - an informed conversation to:

  • exchange values and views
  • share more specific advice and support on engagement with specific mana whenua within the project area/s
  • reflect on shared experiences and connections, while focusing on similarities rather than differences.

Cultural inductions

Cultural inductions may also be appropriate. They can provide an opportunity to better understand cultural values and tikanga at place, along with other specific information relevant to the project.

Heritage wananga 

Where urupa, waahi tapu, koiwi, sites of significance and/or middens might be discovered on the site or in an area, a heritage wananga may be needed. This is to ensure correct tikanga (protocols) are followed if this occurs.

3. Mahi tuatoru: taking the journey together

This step is about individuals/groups/organisations working alongside mana whenua with mutual respect and authenticity to achieve project outcomes and mana whenua aspirations. For example:

  • Rohe/area-based priorities
  • Priorities identified in mana whenua plans
  • Restoration of awa and wetlands support mahinga kai and food gathering
  • Sites of significance, wāhi tapu, urupa and wāhi taonga are respected and protected.

This stage should signify the maturing of the relationship, one that is committed to long term and not just for the life of the project. 

Further reading

Pōwhiri guidance

If you have the opportunity to be involved in a pōwhiri (a formal Māori ceremony that welcomes people to a marae, or other space) these resources will provide some guidance on what to expect.