Dozens of mana whenua joined key organisations involved in the development of papakaainga at a workshop held in Ngaaruawaahia last Sunday 30 October.
Around 50 people joined key Waikato District Council staff, plus representatives from Waikato Tainui, Te Kooti Whenua Maaori, Waikato Regional Council and Te Puni Kookiri at the Ngaawuawaahia Town Hall to listen, learn and ask questions about the papakaainga process within the Waikato district.
The workshop covered rules for Maaori land development and patai, assisting early aspirations, a papakaainga forum overview, and included updates from all organisations involved with the process and how they can support mana whenua to develop papakaainga land.
“It was fantastic to see such active participation and engagement from our community,” says Council’s Resource Management Policy Team Leader Keri Davis-Miller.
“It really gives strength to both the need and demand for this service within our district.”
Participants were invited to share their stories, and to listen to and ask questions about changes in the Waikato District Plan relating to Maaori land objectives and policies, Maaori purpose activities, and how to identify individual sites and overlays in the online District Plan.
Key to workshop success was the team effort and preparation by the Resource Management Policy Team and wider support from Waikato District Council staff.
“We are a team of passionate individuals and facilitating accessible papakaainga development for mana whenua in our district is something we strive to support,” adds Davis-Miller.
“The day was a great success, and this is with big tribute to our Kaiwhakamahere Sheryl Paekau’s amazing mahi and kaupapa – the preparation that was undertaken in the lead up to this day was massive!”
Attendees of the workshop asked a series of complex questions which identified common themes, issues and opportunities which were addressed as a part of the workshop.
The next papakaainga workshop is scheduled for Sunday 20 November in Tuakau. Those interested in attending are encouraged to contact Waikato District Council Kaiwhakamahere (Policy Planner/Advisor) Sheryl Paekau, or to register your interest please contact Waikato District Council District Plan Administrator Tineka Wymer .
