Te Ihu o te Waka o Te Arawa

Te Ihu o te Waka o Te Arawa is the Te Arawa ki Tai Tangata Whenua forum which, in part, replaces the Tauranga Moana and Te Arawa Partnership Forum. The Forum acts as an avenue for Te Arawa Tangata Whenua to engage with Council on the significant issues facing their communities.

The Terms of Reference for the Forum, Kawenata, outlines the vision, purpose, mission and membership of the forums as follows:

Kaupapa (Purpose): To enhance and increase the opportunity for Te Ihu o te Waka to contribute to Local Government decision making processes leading to better outcomes for Māori

Moemoea (Vision): Te Ihu o te Waka marae, iwi and hapū, and whanau are healthy, prosperous and empowered by Iwi working collectively and collaborately with Council and the relevant Community Boards of Maketu and Te Puke

Te Mahi (Mission): To establish an equal partnership as envisaged under Te Tiriti o Waitangi and all the Principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi as formally adopted by the Western Bay District Council

Membership
Marae, iwi and hapū that have interests within the Te Ihu o te Waka rohe are entitled to be represented. Marae, Iwi and hapū appoint their representatives in accordance with their own tikanga and advise Council. Council membership consists of the Te Puke-Maketu ward Councillors and His Worship the Mayor.

Mauri Ora is the strategic plan developed by the Te Arawa Tangata Whenua forum. This document replaces 'Te Ara Mua' the plan of the Tauranga Moana and Te Arawa Partnership Forum. It signifies the efforts of Te Ihu o te Waka o Te Arawa to further the aspirations of Māori and the Western Bay of Plenty District Council when it comes to kaupapa Māori.

You can read the plan here: Mauri Ora - Te Ihu o te Waka o Te Arawa Work Programme

If you have any questions about the forum, please contact the Kaupapa Māori Team.