Summarised by Centrist

Whanganui District Council is seeking public consultation on a proposed framework with local hapū and iwi. Mayor Andrew Tripe said the initiative is “an unprecedented opportunity” and a “world-first indigenous-council partnership that benefits every individual.” 

But does the language downplay the financial and structural implications of the arrangement?

The measures include a legally binding iwi-council agreement, a joint statutory board to govern public reserves, and a charitable trust to address “local wellbeing.” 

The council acknowledges future expenses tied to these potentially expanding agreements will be integrated into long-term budgets, while the Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiations Trust will contribute to some initial costs. 

Phrases like “walking beside” iwi “on a partnership journey” feature prominently in council materials, presenting the arrangement as collaborative. Expenses are described as “minimal.” However, the proposed partnership affords iwi decision-making power while appearing to leave the council and taxpayers to shoulder the financial burden. 

For example, the Ngā Tūtei a Maru Statutory Board will manage reserve lands returned to iwi, with iwi representatives holding the majority of seats. More lands may be added in the future. Despite this governance shift, the council remains responsible for funding day-to-day maintenance with these costs integrated into long-term budgets funded by ratepayers. 

The Toitū Te Whānau Charitable Trust places majority control under hapu/iwi governance. However, the financial burden largely falls on taxpayers and ratepayers. The exact financial obligations for these operations remain “yet to be determined.”

Public input is open until 2 February 2025.

Read more over at RNZ and Whanganui.govt.nz