Manurewa, Papakura, Māngere-Ōtāhuhu and Ōtara-Papatoetoe local boards have cemented their growing relationships with mana whenua by signing relationship agreements with Ngāti Tamaoho.
The agreements outline each party’s aspirations and intention to work together respectfully and positively to achieve mutually beneficial outcomes. Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli said she was looking forward to working with Ngāti Tamaoho.
Ōtara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli said she was looking forward to working with Ngāti Tamaoho.
“Our local board is excited to be part of this and while it has taken a lot of hard work and some time to get to this point, it has definitely been worth it,” she said.
“We are looking forward to building a greater relationship and the signing of this agreement is just the foundation.”
Māngere-Ōtāhuhu Local Board Chair Lemauga Lydia Sosene thanked Ngāti Tamaoho for the opportunity.
She also took the time to recognise the recent passing of the environmentalist Dame Nganeko Minhinnick.
“She had a passion not just for Ngāti Tamaoho, but for the people of Auckland, and was very vocal about what it meant to her to get things right. We understand her vision and her aroha, and we are looking forward to continuing that journey with you.”
Manurewa Local Board Chair Angele Dalton said, “I want to thank Dennis Kirkwood for journeying alongside us as we build a relationship of trust and respect that already transcends these formalities.”
For Papakura Local Board Deputy Chair Felicity Auva'a, the ceremony was an emotional day.
“This is a really meaningful start to building a new relationship with Ngāti Tamaoho and this signing is so important,” she said.
Manurewa-Papakura Ward Councillor Daniel Newman said, “The signing of these agreements has formalised a relationship that has built up over a period of time."
“I want to acknowledge Ngāti Tamaoho and the local boards who have become collaborative friends and partners.”
