Auckland Council received just over 2,000 submissions on its proposed Deed of Acknowledgement with Te Kawerau ā Maki, a report on which has been presented in a closed workshop to the three local boards concerned and the members of the Policy and Planning Committee.
The committee is yet to make its final decision. The Crown, represented by the Department of Conservation, and Te Kawerau ā Maki will make their own decisions on the Deed.
Te Kawerau ā Maki, (and to a lesser extent another Auckland iwi - Ngāti Whātua), is already involved in many initiatives within the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area. Their involvement ranges from operational delivery to participating in decision-making, for which they receive funding from the council. However, Te Kawerau ā Maki is seeking to formalise and extend its level of involvement further – advancing an ambition to partner with Auckland Council and the Crown. Adopting the Deed(s) will solidify and strengthen such partnerships. (There may be more than one Deed. This will depend on the preferences of tangata whenua.)
For further details, see Agenda item 9, Planning, Environment and Parks Committee meeting, 25 July 2024.
Under the Deed of Acknowledgement proposal, a joint committee would be established comprising 50% representation from tangata whenua, specifically West Auckland iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki, and 50% representation from Auckland Council and the Crown. This committee would develop a strategic plan for the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Area, create a work programme to deliver the plan's goals, monitor progress and outcomes, and make recommendations.
Read more about this in the Democracy Action April newsletter: Have a say on future governance of Waitākere Ranges
Both Shane Jones of NZ First and David Seymour of the ACT Party have spoken out against co-governance for Waitākere Ranges management, advocating for democratic governance of the area. Jones is quoted as saying: “We will not agree with any deed of acknowledgement that represents an ideological mustard seed that will morph into a template for co-governance.”
The proposed Deed of Acknowledgement is just the tip of a very big iceberg!
Many New Zealanders may not realise that democratic control over our parks is gradually being eroded. For instance, in Auckland, the Council supports partnering with iwi to manage regional parks, acknowledging that working in partnership can occur at all levels of decision-making and management. (See AUCKLAND COUNCIL’S REGIONAL PARKS MANAGEMENT PLAN 2022 - Chapter 5: Mana whenua partnerships).
Access to the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park is now controlled under a joint management approach by Te Kawerau ā Maki, Auckland Council, and the Ministry for Primary Industries—purportedly to combat the spread of kauri dieback disease. This includes rāhui, track closures, and a Controlled Area Notice. The current requirement for all tracks to meet a “dry-foot” standard was introduced through a 2018 agreement between Te Kawerau ā Maki and Auckland Council—without public consultation. It is believed this sweeping closure of the Ranges is based on flawed or overstated science and that the dry-foot rule is an unnecessary barrier to public access. (Listen to Dr Emily Anderson’s presentation to Auckland Council Parks Committee meeting 25 February 2025 on behalf of the community group ‘Walk Tramp Run’. The presentation begins at 8.6 mins).
Make your views on the proposed Deed known directly to the decision-makers! We urge the community to message and/or talk to members of the three local boards involved—Waitakere, Whau, and Rodney, whose decisions will significantly influence the outcome of the proposed Deed. Additionally, consider applying to present to the Policy and Planning Committee or share your views with the committee members via email. The committee is due to make its final decision at its July or August meeting. (All Auckland councillors are members of this committee, along with two Independent Maori Statutory Board members.)
Contact details
All ward councillors HERE.
Rodney Local Board HERE.
Waitākere Ranges Local Board HERE.
Whau Local Board HERE.