Historic Te Arawa and council partnership to be made official this week

Iwi members listened to Te Arawa Partnership Board candidates at a meet the candidates hui in October. PHOTO/BEN FRASER

Te Arawa will celebrate a strengthened and enduring relationship with Rotorua Lakes Council at an historic event at the iwi's paramount marae this week.

The local iwi proposed a new partnership model to Rotorua Lakes Council on December 18, 2014 to improve iwi consultation.

Exactly one year later, the Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board inauguration and the signing of the partnership agreement between Te Arawa and Rotorua Lakes Council will take place at Te Papaiouru Marae from 9am. Te Tatau o Te Arawa Board will represent iwi interests on council committees.

Te Arawa Partnership working party spokesperson Arapeta Tahana said Friday's signing was a tangible and major step towards building an excellent partnership with the council since its decision to accept the iwi's proposal.

"The event signifies the start of an exciting and enhanced relationship between Te Arawa and council. We're helping council to meet its obligations to Maori and tangata whenua, while working together for the betterment of our community."

Board members will also be announced at the inaugural AGM, including its chair and deputy chair, and its nominated representatives on council committees.

Mr Tahana said he hoped for a good turnout at the board inauguration and partnership signing event.

"We hope to see many Te Arawa people and stakeholders at the event, as well as any interested community members - everyone is welcome. This is a significant day in the history of Rotorua, as we embark on a journey that honours the past, empowers the present and strengthens our future."

Kaupapataka (Event Programme)
-9am Pohiri
-10am Kapu ti
-10.30am Board inauguration and introduction of board members
-11.30am Acknowledgement of the former Te Arawa Standing Committee
-12.15pm Signing of partnership agreement
-1pm Blessing of partnership taonga
-1.30pm Kai and refreshments