Relationship with hapu ‘may very well be stronger’

Ashburton District Council and native hapū say they’ve a robust relationship regardless of claims from a former councillor that “it may very well be stronger”.In his ultimate assembly of the final council time period, departing councillor Angus McKay mentioned the council’s relationship with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua may very well be a lot better.“We don’t even have a relationship that we’re pleased with with Arowhenua, and it’s not our fault,” McKay mentioned.“I want there was a very good relationship, however there’s not.”McKay mentioned he was referring to how the elected councillors had solely met with Arowhenua as soon as over the past three-year time period.It was purported to have been at the least three conferences, as soon as per 12 months, however for numerous causes, it was solely as soon as and McKay was disillusioned that the opposite conferences weren’t rescheduled.“I at all times valued the connection, together with some other individuals we handled.”He believes the connection may very well be stronger and that the councillors may simply meet with Arowhenua, or its representatives, greater than yearly.Whereas McKay feels that the councillors could have missed out within the final time period, council chief government, Hamish Riach, mentioned the council maintains a robust relationship with its native hapū.“Council administration have a robust and enduring relationship with Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua by way of Aoraki Environmental Consultancy (AEC),” Riach mentioned.“Officers meet with the AEC staff each six weeks to debate upcoming tasks and work streams for AEC to offer recommendation and steering with, as treaty companions.”The councillors and senior government staff goal to fulfill with Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua onsite on the marae at the least yearly he mentioned.“Sadly, the final two hui have been cancelled at brief discover as a consequence of Covid-19 restrictions and Arowhenua having tangi on the marae.“Officers are at present working with Arowhenua to re-establish the regularity of those hui, which this 12 months have been delayed because of the native physique elections.”Te Rūnaka o Arowhenua consultant Fiona Pimm mentioned they’ve a robust relationship with the council by way of Aoraki Environmental Consultancy.“We sit up for exploring alternatives with all councils inside our rohe, together with Ashburton District Council, to make sure they will have interaction in an genuine Te Tiriti partnership with our hapū,” Pimm mentioned.