Mayor Susan O’Regan after the powhiri
Susan O’Regan
Te Kanohi positions on Waipā’s statutory committees are not the only way the council applies an iwi lens to decision making, mayor Susan O’Regan says.
“I still believe it is premature to appoint Te Kanohi before we have a new Māori ward councillor in place,” she said in response to The News’ questions.
“Waipā District Council is committed to positive, effective and genuine relationships with mana whenua /iwi. We have worked together for over 30 years to develop these relationships and continue to improve and refine these.”
The council works with mana whenua and iwi in several ways, she said, including:
- Reporting to Nga Iwi Topu O Waipa on key issues/workstreams.
- Partnership through co-governance structures (such as Nga Pae Whenua).
- Joint Management Agreement partner hui and obligations with Waikato Tainui, Raukawa and Maniapoto.
- Mana whenua representation on the Project Control Group for Ahu Ake.
- Representation on the Te Ara Wai Governance committee.
- Involvement in council projects, for example, the Cambridge Wastewater Treatment Plant and Plan Change 23 – Papakainga.
