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."
