After more than 17 years since the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 was passed, a significant new agreement was signed yesterday between Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council and the Crown.
The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement recognises the deep, ongoing relationship between Te Kawerau ā Maki, as tangata whenua, and the Waitākere Ranges. It also reaffirms the shared commitment of Auckland Council, Te Papa Atawhai | The Department of Conservation and Te Kawerau ā Maki to protecting the natural and cultural heritage of the area for generations to come.
Mayor Wayne Brown says the Deed reflects the council’s duty under the Act to formally acknowledge and strengthen its relationship with Te Kawerau ā Maki.
“The decision to approve this Deed was unanimous at the Policy and Planning Committee. Everyone agrees the Waitākere Ranges are one of our most iconic natural taonga. This Deed is an important step toward ensuring their protection long into the future - and it reflects our obligations to work alongside Te Kawerau ā Maki as kaitiaki of these lands.”
Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, Cr Richard Hills, says the Deed signing follows years of kōrero, engagement and, more recently, trust-building and collaboration.
“This has been a long time coming – I feel a huge sense of pride that we were finally able get this done with and for Te Kawerau a Maki, the communities in and around Waitākere and all Aucklanders.
Iwi members have been patient and we had such great support from the community through consultation. We took their feedback seriously and made changes, including an even stronger focus on community participation and input going forward.
Te Wao Nui o Tiriwa is a taonga and the deed will ensure positive outcomes and protection into the future."
The Deed sets the stage for closer collaboration. To support this, Auckland Council will make a decision on establishing a new Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Forum in the new term, with representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki, the Crown, local boards and the Governing Body.
Deep whakapapa connection to the Ranges
Te Kawerau ā Maki whakapapa to the Waitākere Ranges spans over 800 years. The forest itself, known as Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa, sits at the heart of their identity and history. Their presence is etched into the place names, pā sites, and stories that continue to shape the whenua today - from the deep ngahere and soaring peaks, to the coastal settlements of Te Henga (Bethells Beach), Piha and Karekare. The Deed recognises that this relationship – grounded in whakapapa and carried through generations - lives on, and remains central to the future of the Ranges.
Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust CEO Edward Ashby says the signing is a meaningful step toward healing and co-stewardship.
“This Deed is first and foremost about honouring the deep whakapapa connection between our iwi and the Waitākere Ranges. It is also about recognising the work that we have done - and the work that we must continue to do - together with our partners and our communities to meet the environmental and cultural challenges ahead. The Ranges are under pressure - and this collaboration is part of the solution.”
Chair of the Waitākere Ranges Local Board, Greg Presland, reflects on the local board’s long-standing advocacy alongside Te Kawerau ā Maki:
“It’s impossible to read the history outlined in the Deed without appreciating the enormity of loss that Te Kawerau ā Maki has endured. Despite this they have never lost their connection to the Waitakere Ranges – that relationship has remained living and active. At the start of this term, we committed to pushing for progress on the Deed, and it’s incredibly rewarding to see it finally signed.”
The Department of Conservation, as the representative of the Crown, welcomes the Deed of Acknowledgement. Director of Regional Operations Tāmaki Makaurau, Alex Rogers, says:
“Protecting the biodiversity and ecological integrity of Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa is a shared responsibility. We’re proud to be part of a collaborative approach that supports the vital role of tangata whenua and local communities in shaping the future of this special place. We are fully committed to this important kaupapa, to a positive future for the Waitākere Ranges and to realising the potential of this partnership.”
The feedback during the submission process earlier this year highlighted not only the deep love that Aucklanders and New Zealanders have for the Ranges, but also the importance of clear communication, trust, and inclusive participation in the future of the Heritage Area.
Nick Turoa, Tumuaki Huanga Māori – Māori Outcomes Director at Auckland Council, says the Deed gives practical effect to the intent of the original 2008 legislation and is about walking the talk with our communities.
“A core purpose of the Act was to recognise the unique natural and cultural heritage of the Waitākere Ranges. This Deed brings that vision to life – it’s about kotahitanga in practice: tangata whenua, the Crown, Council and our communities working together in a strong relationship for the benefit of this whenua we all care so deeply about.
Everyone has a role to play in caring for and protecting the Ranges. I encourage people to read the Deed, learn more about the deep and enduring connection that Te Kawerau ā Maki have with Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa, and be a part of the conversation as the new Forum takes shape. There is a lot of work ahead, but the future holds great promise. I look forward to realising the shared vision we all hold for this landscape.”
The Deed of Acknowledgement was signed at Arataki Visitor Centre in the Waitākere Ranges on the morning of Thursday, 2 October.
As part of the ceremony, a wahaika taonga was gifted to Te Kawerau ā Maki and given the name Kia mau te rongo. The name expresses a call to uphold peace, unity, and mutual respect as the foundation of this renewed relationship.
The signed Deed of Acknowledgement can be viewed here.
