The first meeting of the new Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Forum, held at Arataki Visitor Centre on Monday 8 June, brought together representatives of Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council, the Department of Conservation and the wider community to discuss the future care and protection of Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa – the Waitākere Ranges.
The event opened with kōrero from Te Kawerau ā Maki, grounding the Forum in the mana, tikanga, identity and enduring connection of the iwi to Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa. Gathered outside the Arataki Visitor Centre, attendees heard about the significance of the site and the tūpuna depicted on the main pou before moving inside for formal proceedings.
The formal hui then took place in Te Hoe Urungi at Arataki. The room name was gifted by Te Kawerau ā Maki and refers to the paddle that steers an initiative, reflecting the Forum’s role in guiding the collaborative effort to protect and enhance the Heritage Area.
Rewi Spraggon of Te Kawerau ā Maki was elected chairperson, with Greg Presland elected deputy chairperson, reflecting the Forum’s role in bringing together mana whenua, local and central government in support of the Heritage Area.
Community members shared their aspirations on a range of matters affecting the Heritage Area, including walking tracks, dark skies, waterway restoration and heritage protection. The Forum also agreed on an approach to develop a strategic plan - alongside the development of an integrated recreation plan – to help shape a shared vision for the future of Te Wao Nui ā Tiriwa.
The Forum members then discussed and considered a range of issues affecting the Heritage Area, including the currently proposed legislative and resource management reforms and the ongoing protection of the heritage features recognised in the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.
A significant moment during the meeting was a presentation from Te Kawerau ā Maki outlining their aspirations to re-establish a marae at Te Henga. The development was described by the iwi as a Kāinga Whakahirahira, or a place of significance and belonging. Te Kawerau ā Maki are currently the only mana whenua without a marae in Tāmaki Makaurau.
Following discussion the Forum recommended that Auckland Council continue to explore options to support the marae development.
This discussion highlighted one of the key purposes of the forum: bringing together mana whenua, local board members, regional councillors, the Department of Conservation and communities around one table to progress solutions.
The value of that approach was demonstrated the following day at Auckland Council’s Policy, Planning and Development Committee, where councillors Shane Henderson and Ken Turner both raised questions about support for Te Henga marae, and in front of staff and regional decision-makers advocated for more council and Watercare involvement in this area.
About:
Established under the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Deed of Acknowledgement, the Forum provides a coordinated space for discussion, advocacy and recommendations relating to the Heritage Area. Its role includes helping develop a strategic plan and work programme for the area, while supporting collaboration between mana whenua, local communities and public agencies.
The Forum members are:
Rewi Spraggon – Chairperson (Te Kawerau ā Maki)
Greg Presland – Deputy Chair (Waitākere Ranges Local Board)
Mark Allen (Waitākere Ranges Local Board)
Edward Ashby (Te Kawerau ā Maki)
Cr Shane Henderson (Auckland Council Governing Body)
Ashleigh McDonald (Te Kawerau ā Maki)
Alex Rogers (Department of Conservation, on behalf of the Crown)
Hannah Slade (Waitākere Ranges Local Board)
Tame Taratu (Te Kawerau ā Maki)
Cr Ken Turner (Auckland Council Governing Body)
Josie Wall (Te Kawerau ā Maki)