Nō te wai te mauriora, water is the wellspring of life.

Taupō District councillors met today to consider whether or not to adopt a joint management agreement with the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board.

The joint management agreement (JMA) is required by law and brings together Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, representing the district's largest landowner and iwi, and Taupō District Council to manage, protect and restore the health and wellbeing of the Upper Waikato River for future generations. It covers a range of mandatory matters but at the request of Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board, was extended to cover Lake Taupō and its tributaries.

At today’s meeting councillors decided to defer consideration of the draft agreement until after the local government elections, which will be held on Saturday 11 October. Councillors felt that more time was needed to fully consider the draft agreement and make a robust decision.

While a formal consultation process was not part of the resolution, people are encouraged to read the draft agreement and the FAQs along with the other information available on the Taupō District Council website and contact their elected members if they want to discuss the JMA further.

The draft joint management agreement is focused on fostering relationships and agreeing ways for the council and the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board to work together better to achieve the JMA vision of protecting and restoring the waterways.

Taupō District Mayor David Trewavas says despite the JMA being mandatory under the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Act 2010, the feeling of the council was that it was too close to the election to make a decision on whether to adopt it. However, he also felt there had been widespread community misunderstanding about what the JMA actually involved, with claims that it was more wide-reaching than it actually is.

“We can’t protect the Waikato River without also protecting its source, Lake Taupō. That’s what this agreement is about – working together to look after these taonga of our district,” says Mr Trewavas.

“It’s important to note that under this draft JMA, councillors will continue to make all decisions on work programmes and budgets. The agreement simply asks council staff and trust board staff to work together when it comes to activities that will have a direct effect on waterways. Early iwi engagement on projects like council infrastructure will strengthen council’s work, building support and avoiding issues before they arise.

“Council has worked collaboratively with its iwi partners for many years and recognising and acknowledging Māori values when making council decisions is not co-governance, it is about good decision-making.”

Following today’s meeting council consideration of the JMA will be deferred until as soon as practicable in the next council term.

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