Members of the Franklin Local Board have experienced the culturally significant waka ama programme on the Waikato River as part of their Māori partnership programme.
The Ora Mā te Wai (Wellbeing through Water) programme shapes part of the local board’s work programme, and connects members with te ao Māori values, tikanga, as well as the significance of wai (water) in Māori culture.
In December 2025, Franklin Local Board members Hunter Hawker, Lesieli Oliver and Alex Bonnington experienced the majestic Waikato River from the surroundings of a waka, to better understand and experience Māori culture and mana whenua relationships.
The programme is run by Ngāti Te Ata Waiohua, who play a key role in delivering the programme for the local board, and run the popular waka ama programme, which is partly funded by the Franklin Local Board.
The Ora Mā te Wai programme has been used by Franklin rangitahi (youth) and schools, such as Waiuku College.
Franklin Local Board Māori Partnership Programme
The programme has been in place since 2024, and plays a key role in strengthening the board with Māori values. Some of the outcomes include:
- One-to-one engagement and board-level relationship building.
- Cultural capability development, including te reo and tikanga training for elected members.
- Integration of tikanga into governance processes.
- Wānanga (learning sessions) hosted by mana whenua at their places.
- Expert briefings to address local board knowledge gaps.
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