Auckland Council’s Policy and Planning Committee has today made a key decision to support the proposed Deed of Acknowledgement for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, and to establish the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Forum.
This decision comes after a formal consultation process, which included more than 2,200 public submissions, as well as targeted engagement with iwi, community groups, environmental organisations, recreation groups and local stakeholders. Council staff also held workshops with elected members to discuss feedback and develop advice, ensuring the final proposal reflected a balance of perspectives and responded to the issues raised by Aucklanders.
The Deed of Acknowledgement was developed in partnership with Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Department of Conservation, and is intended to affirm the enduring relationship of Te Kawerau ā Maki with the Heritage Area, strengthen collaboration, and enhance long-term planning for the area’s protection.
Councillor Shane Henderson says the decision reflects the shared values of many who submitted on the proposal.
“This is about working together to uphold the mana of the Waitākere Ranges. Public feedback has helped shape this outcome and I am very proud and hopeful that today’s decision puts us on a stronger path for the future.”
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee, also welcomed the decision.
“This is a significant step in continuing to build enduring relationships and shared responsibility for the Heritage Area. The Deed and proposed Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Forum have been carefully designed to reflect both the intent of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act and the aspirations of our communities.
“For generations, tangata whenua, local communities, volunteers, conservation groups, parks rangers and staff have all worked hard to protect and regenerate its forests, waterways, and unique ecosystems,” says Cr Hills. “I want to sincerely acknowledge Te Kawerau ā Maki for their long-standing advocacy and leadership. It has been 17 years since legislation passed, I am glad we have now made this significant decision to strengthen collaboration more closely through a formal, guiding agreement to protect and enhance this taonga for future generations.”
Edward Ashby, Chief Executive of Te Kawerau Iwi Tiaki Trust, acknowledged the long history to get to this milestone.
“The Waitākere Ranges are not just a landscape, they are our heartland, our whakapapa, our living history, and our future. After 17 years of waiting, this decision reflects a maturing relationship and a shared commitment to restore and protect the mauri of this place we all care about.”
Two key items approved
The Policy and Planning Committee approved two key items, which were also agreed to by the Waitākere Ranges and Whau Local Boards last week.
Firstly, the Committee and the local boards have agreed to enter into the Deed of Acknowledgement, a draft of which has been shared with the public. The Deed is a formal agreement under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008 that recognises the historical, cultural, and spiritual relationship Te Kawerau ā Maki has with the Ranges and identifies opportunities to work together for its care. The agreed opportunities include the joint development of a Heritage Area strategic plan, work programmes to achieve the strategic plan outcomes, and joint monitoring of outcomes and of the Heritage Area.
Secondly, to implement the Deed, the Committee also agreed to recommend that the Governing Body establish the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Forum. This will be the mechanism for Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Department of Conservation to work together and action the commitments set out in the Deed, alongside the community.
The Forum will give advice, advocacy and recommendations on Heritage Area matters, while the ultimate decision-making authority for these matters remain with Auckland Council and the Crown. The intention is for the Forum to be a dedicated, accessible and collaborative place for all who love and care about the Heritage Area to work together, discuss what is important to them and have their voices heard.
Cultural and historical significance
This decision also carries deep cultural and historical significance. As recorded in the Deed’s historical account, “Despite the trauma, cultural dislocation, and losses faced from 1821, Te Kawerau ā Maki have continued to maintain their living connection to the Waitākere Ranges”. Over the past two hundred years their rangatiratanga within the Ranges has never been extinguished and this heartland - their standing place - will continue to be central to their future.
When the Act was passed in 2008, it carried a vision to acknowledge Te Kawerau ā Maki and strengthen collaboration and long-term planning for the Ranges. The draft Deed that Auckland Council supported today provides a clear pathway to live up to the expectations of the Act and protect and enhance the forests, waters, wildlife, significance, and cultural heritage of the Ranges for present and future generations.
This milestone reflects the collective efforts of iwi, local communities, residents, environmental groups, recreation groups and the Council over many years. It is both a recognition of the past and a commitment to the future - to work together to protect the mauri of the Heritage Area, restore the natural health of the Ranges, and ensure that its value, beauty, and heritage remain for the next two centuries and beyond.
Next steps
The Deed is not yet final. Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Department of Conservation will now formally consider and confirm their positions – it’s understood that both parties are supportive of the Deed and the Terms of Reference as proposed. The Governing Body will then make a final decision on establishing the Forum.
