A formal agreement between the Crown, tangata whenua and Auckland Council is being proposed to help protect and manage the treasured Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area – and Aucklanders are being invited to have their say.
Known as the Deed of Acknowledgement, the proposed agreement is intended to outline how the partners might work together to care for and enhance the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area – recognising tangata whenua connections to the land and supporting the protection of its unique environmental and cultural values for future generations.
Auckland Council has now opened public engagement on the proposed Deed, which is being developed in line with the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act 2008.
The Deed aims to:
- formally recognise the deep historical, cultural and spiritual connections tangata whenua have with the Heritage Area, and
- outline how the Crown, Auckland Council and tangata whenua can work together to manage and protect it.
Councillor Richard Hills, Chair of the Policy and Planning Committee says the Waitākere Ranges are one of Auckland’s most treasured landscapes, rich in history, culture, and biodiversity.
“For generations, tangata whenua, local communities, volunteers, conservation groups, parks rangers and staff have all worked hard to protect and regenerate its forests, waterways, and unique ecosystems,” says Cr Hills.
“It has been 17 years since legislation passed, I am glad we are now looking to strengthen collaboration more closely through a formal, guiding agreement.”
The Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area Act was passed in 2008 to protect the area’s natural, cultural and historic values. While much of the Act has already been implemented, one important step remains – the creation of a Deed of Acknowledgement with tangata whenua, as provided for in the legislation.
The Deed will only apply to public land, not private land or water. It won’t replace existing governance structures, but it will help to strengthen coordination and long-term stewardship across the agencies and communities that care for the Ranges, the Council confirmed in a statement.
Auckland Council Tumuaki Huanga Māori, Nick Turoa, says the Deed represents a chance to create a shared plan for the future.
“The Waitākere Ranges are a taonga, a treasure that belongs to all of us. This is about honouring commitments made in the past while looking ahead to the future. We want to hear from the community – what matters most to you when it comes to protecting this place?”
Edward Ashby of Te Kawerau ā Maki says the Deed is an opportunity to formally acknowledge tangata whenua’s role as kaitiaki (guardians) of the area.
“The Waitākere Ranges have been home to our people for generations. This is an opportunity to work together in a way that benefits the whenua and everyone who loves and uses the Ranges,” he said.
Council is seeking feedback on four key elements of the proposed Deed:a long-term strategic plan for the Heritage Areaa coordinated work programme to deliver on the planjoint monitoring of progress and environmental outcomesa potential joint committee made up of representatives from tangata whenua, the Crown and Auckland Council.
