Te Pae Māori
MINUTES
Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Te Pae Māori held in the Council Chamber, Dunedin Public Art Gallery, Octagon, Dunedin on Thursday 09 April 2026, commencing at 9:05 am
PRESENT
|
Co-Chairs |
Mayor Sophie Barker |
Mr Edward Ellison |
|
|
|
|
|
Members |
Mr Matapura Ellison |
Cr Cherry Lucas |
|
|
Cr Mandy Mayhem |
Ms Paulette Tamati-Elliffe via Zoom |
|
|
Cr Mickey Treadwell |
|
|
IN ATTENDANCE |
Sandy Graham (Chief Executive Officer), Nicola Morand (Manahautū – General Manager Community and Strategy), Caron Solomon (Kaiwhakahaere O Mana Ruruku) and Jesse Matheson (Kaitatari Māori - Policy Analyst Māori) |
Governance Support Officer Rebecca Murray
Mr Edward Ellison opened the hui with a Karakia Timatanga.
2 NGĀ MATE
Mr Edward Ellison acknowledged the passing of Jimmy Russell, an iwi elder, and Mikaele Filipo Laufiso, father of Cr Marie Laufiso.
There was no Public Forum.
|
|
An apology was received from Professor Emma Wyeth. |
|
|
|
|
|
Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Committee: Accepts the apology from Professor Emma Wyeth.
Motion carried (TPMCC/2026/001) |
Procedural Matters:
Chief Executive, Sandy Graham, outlined procedural arrangements for the Te
Pāe Māori for the current triennium. It was noted that the membership
was structured to provide equal representation, ensuring a balanced
participation for mana to mana.
|
|
Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Committee:
Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.
Motion carried (TPMCC/2026/002) |
Members were reminded of the need to stand aside from decision-making when a conflict arose between their role as an elected representative and any private or other external interest they might have.
Register of interest updates have been received from Mr Edward Ellison and Professor Emma Wreth.
|
|
Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas): That the Committee:
a) Amends the Elected or Independent Members' Interest Register; and b) Confirms the proposed management plan for Elected or Independent Members' Interests. Motion carried (TPMCC/2026/003) |
|
|
A report from Mana Ruruku provided an update on the progress across activities within the Te Pae Māori forward work programme. It also summarised the work undertaken by Mana Ruruku for the past six months. The Manahautū – General Manager Community and Strategy (Nicola Morand)and the Kaiwhakahaere O Mana Ruruku (Caron Solomon) responded to questions. Members acknowledged the report and emphasised the importance of earlier and more proactive engagement with mana whenua in the development of council work programmes. It was noted that Te Pae Māori plays a key role as a forum for strategic input and advice, and that existing meeting frequency may limit timely engagement on some matters. The need for additional mechanisms to support mana whenua‑specific issues was noted. Paulette Tamati-Elliffe entered the meeting via Zoom at 9.20am. The Committee discussed alignment between Te Pae Māori priorities, council work programmes, and engagement through Aukaha. It was confirmed that engagement approaches will be considered as part of the forthcoming review of the Relationship Framework, and that agreed mana whenua priorities will help guide future engagement and planning. Updates were also provided on:
The Committee reaffirmed the value of Te Pae Māori as a forum for mana whenua to raise ideas, opportunities, and strategic perspectives. |
|
|
|
|
|
Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Mr Edward Ellison): That the Committee:
a) Notes the Activity Report b) Approves the development of a process for engagement with Aukaha Ltd c) Notes mana whenua and mataawaka representatives will invite expressions of interest from the Māori community and appoint a mataawaka representative to Te Pae Māori. Motion carried (TPMCC/2026/004) |
|
|
Mana whenua raised a number of priority issues requiring clarification or future updates. Members discussed the importance of infrastructure to mana whenua, with particular reference to water, housing, and local government reforms. Clarification was sought on the current status and reporting pathway for the previously developed Future Development Strategy, including transparency and transition matters, with specific concerns noted regarding the Northern Water Scheme. The Peninsula Connection project was identified as critical long‑term infrastructure, with safety concerns highlighted and support expressed for Council maintaining its commitment. It was noted that the project is staged and that timing will be confirmed. Concerns were raised regarding self‑seeded pine encroachment on coastal reserve land in the Waikouaiti / Karitāne area. Members acknowledged positive collaboration on cultural initiatives, including Puaka Matariki and future major events. It was agreed that longer‑term Treaty commemorations are best considered through events planning. The Otago Harbour was reaffirmed as a matter of ongoing strategic importance, alongside interest in northern wastewater infrastructure and climate change preparedness. Updates will be provided through future reporting. CDEM engagement with mana whenua was acknowledged, noting existing formal structures and the importance of iwi networks in community resilience. Several matters from the previous Māori Participation Working Party were revisited, including provision for Māori burial areas within cemeteries. Homelessness in the city was raised as an ongoing concern, with further information on services welcomed as the matter progresses to Council. |
|
|
Mr Edward Ellison closed the hui with a Karakia Whakamutunga. |
The meeting concluded at 10.19am.
..............................................
CHAIRPERSON