More than 2,200 people and organisations have shared their views on a proposed Deed of Acknowledgement for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area (WRHA).
Seventeen years after the original WRHA Act was passed in 2008, the proposed Deed aims to give effect to a key element of the legislation – formally recognising the special relationship between Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Waitākere Ranges, and supporting a more collaborative approach to protecting the area for future generations.
An independent analysis of submissions by research agency Ipsos has now been published, confirming the deep significance the Waitākere Ranges hold for Aucklanders. This feedback reflects a wide range of views on how the area should be protected and governed, with a majority supporting a more inclusive and enduring partnership model and approach.
Auckland Council staff completed a preliminary assessment of submissions in June, which found that overall, more people supported the proposed deed than opposed it. This initial assessment was closely aligned with the independent analysis by Ipsos, with results differing by less than 2 per cent.
What Aucklanders said
A total of 2,251 submissions were received on the proposed Deed. Of these 51 per cent supported the proposal, 39 per cent opposed it, and 10 per cent were neutral or unclear. Notably, 37 per cent of submissions came from within the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area itself. Feedback reflected a broad cross-section of the community including residents, iwi, schools, marae, local and recreation groups and environmental organisations.
Supporters emphasised the importance of kaitiakitanga, meaningful partnership, and the need for coordinated long-term planning to protect the Waitākere Ranges. Opposing views focused on concerns around governance and representation, as well as uncertainty about what the proposed Deed and joint committee would mean in practice.
Across the three West Auckland local board areas - Waitākere Ranges, Whau and Henderson-Massey - support outweighed opposition, among those who shared their location:
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- Waitākere Ranges: 54 per cent support
- Whau: 75 per cent support
- Henderson-Massey: 78 per cent support
“The feedback revealed a genuine diversity of views, but also a shared commitment to protect the Ranges for future generations,” says Nick Turoa, Tumuaki Huanga Māori – Director Ngā Mātārae Māori Outcomes at Auckland Council. “The overall support we received indicates we’re on the right track. We’ve listened and made key adjustments – including establishing a Forum to demonstrate that partnership approach, confirming its advisory role, and refining the proposed membership composition to better reflect that intent.”
What’s now proposed
The draft Deed of Acknowledgement, published today, confirms a number of key commitments. These include:
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- An historical account outlining and acknowledging Te Kawerau ā Maki’s enduring relationship with the Waitākere Ranges and recognising their role as kaitiaki
- Development of a non-statutory strategic plan for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area to set a shared long-term vision, consider the Heritage Area as a whole and help guide future planning and investment
- Creation of specific work programmes to deliver on the goals of that plan
- Confirmation of the involvement of Te Kawerau ā Maki in monitoring progress and outcomes
- Establishment of an advisory Forum to support collaboration between Auckland Council, Te Kawerau ā Maki and the Department of Conservation
The proposed Forum would only have an advisory and oversight role, and decision-making powers will remain with the existing bodies. Council staff are proposing that the Forum’s membership include five representatives from Te Kawerau ā Maki working alongside six others:
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- Three elected members from the Local Boards
- Two Auckland Council Governing Body members
- One Department of Conservation representative
The Forum will make recommendations to the relevant decision-making bodies based on the strategic plan. It will also play an important role advocating for the protection and enhancement of the Waitākere Heritage Area and promoting its national, regional and local significance.
It would operate transparently and inclusively, in line with the original purpose and objectives of the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008. Community participation will be welcomed at the Forum’s meetings and activities.
Importantly, the draft Deed and Terms of Reference reaffirm the key messages shared during the April-May submissions process. They do not change land ownership, affect private land, restrict public access, or alter Auckland Council’s legal decision-making powers.
Instead, the Deed confirms a shared commitment by all parties to work together - and alongside the community - to care for the Waitākere Ranges through a collective vision, coordinated action, and mutual accountability.
Next steps
Final decisions are still to be made. Several local board and committee meetings are taking place over the coming days to consider the consultation feedback and proposed Deed:
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- Wednesday 6 August: Whau Local Board meeting
- Thursday 7 August: Waitākere Ranges Local Board meeting
- Thursday 14 August: Policy and Planning Committee meeting
The independent consultation summary report by Ipsos, anonymised submissions, draft Deed of Acknowledgement and proposed Terms of Reference are now available on the AK Have Your Say website.
