Agenda of Te Pae Maori - Monday, 24 August 2026

Te Pae Māori committee

24 August 2026

Te Pae Māori Committee

MINUTES

Minutes of an ordinary meeting of the Te Pae Māori Committee 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

1 karakia timatanga

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.

3 Public Forum

There was no Public Forum.

4 Apologies
	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 Committee for the current triennium. It was noted that the membership was structured to provide equal representation, ensuring a balanced participation for mana to mana.

5 Confirmation of agenda

Moved (Mayor Sophie Barker/Cr Cherry Lucas):

That the Committee:

Confirms the agenda without addition or alteration.

Motion carried (TPMCC/2026/002)

6 Declarations of interest

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.

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)

Part A Reports

7 Activity Report
	A report from Mana Ruruku provided an update on the progress across activities within the Te Pae Māori Committee 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: · Early engagement with mana whenua for the upcoming 10‑year plan; · Existing engagement processes associated with bylaws and policy development; and · Ongoing work to align delegations, levels of service, and committee processes. 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)

8 Key Priority Areas for Mana Whenua

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.

9 Karakia Whakamutunga
	Mr Edward Ellison closed the hui with a Karakia Whakamutunga.

The meeting concluded at 10.19am.

..............................................

CHAIRPERSON

Te Pae Māori committee

24 August 2026

Part A Reports

Activity Report

Department: Mana Ruruku

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1 This report provides an update on progress across activities within the Te Pae Māori forward work programme and summarises work undertaken by Dunedin City Council over the past four months (Attachment A).

2 It also seeks feedback on the Te Pae Māori priority areas in relation to Council mahi, as discussed at the previous Te Pae Māori hui.

3 The report provides an opportunity for further discussion and amendment to the list of priorities, which can be readdressed if and when required.

RECOMMENDATIONS

That the Committee:

a) Notes the Activity Report.

b) Provides feedback on the priorities area and activities outlined in the report.

BACKGROUND

4 This report outlines progress in key strategic areas and supports Te Pae Māori in its strategic oversight and advisory role. It includes:

a) Updates on key strategic areas related to Te Pae Māori priorities,

b) Contributions by Mana Ruruku across Council activities,

c) Work requiring committee input,

5 Since the adoption and implementation of Te Taki Haruru, Council’s engagement with mana whenua has increased significantly. This is a positive shift in DCC’s ‘Business as usual’ practices, with staff gradually becoming more comfortable with engaging with mana whenua and mātāwaka.

6 With this increase in understanding the necessity of engagement, balance needs to be struck between what DCC would like mana whenua to engage on, and what mana whenua have capacity to engage on.

7 To help address kaupapa that matter most and guide teams effectively on when to engage, the previous Te Pae Māori hui allowed for discussion from mana whenua on matters that were most important.

8 In broad summary, the priorities covered a range of kaupapa such as water, housing, local government reform, environmental concerns, climate change and emergency management.

DISCUSSION

9. Te Pae Māori provides strategic oversight and advice to support informed Council decision-making in relation to Māori outcomes. Its role includes:

· Strategic Context and Foresight of priorities

· Te Taki Haruru Progress, Alignment and Delivery

· Advice to Council and Chief Executive

Strategic Context and Current Activity

10. Key strategic areas currently within scope include:

· Long Term Plan 2027-2037

· Levels of Service

· Aukaha Work Programme

11 Mana Ruruku continues to contribute to a range of Council work, including policies, plans, bylaws, submissions, and cross-team advisory support.

Long Term Plan

12 Council’s 10 Year Plan is being developed in parallel with its inaugural Water Services Strategy 2027-37. The development of the documents will be challenging, primarily due to the scale and pace of ongoing legislative reform. Details of major proposals, including rate capping, regulatory changes, and amalgamation, are not yet confirmed or enacted, creating substantial uncertainty for long-term planning.

13 Despite the uncertainty, the Council is required to develop and adopt a 10 Year Plan and Water Services Strategy under the Local Government Act 2002 and Local Government (Water Services) Act 2025 respectively.

14 The documents describe what the Council aims to deliver for the community over the 10-year period from 1 July 2027 to 30 June 2037 and set out services and activities the Council will provide, the community outcomes those services and activities are intended to achieve, how much they will cost and how they will be paid for. The documents are a basis for accountability and transparency to the community. They provide information about how decisions were made and enable the community to hold the Council to account for those decisions.

15 Previously, water services information was included as part of a council’s Long-Term Plan, where relevant. However, from 1 July 2027, detailed water services information will not be included in the 10-year plan but must instead be covered in a separate Water Services Strategy document.

16 Decision making process and milestones:

Milestone	Date
Budget options reports are presented to Council in order to build an early version of the budget for discussion at the December Council budget meeting	Now-Sep 2026
Council budget meeting where the draft budget will be confirmed for community consultation	7-10 December 2026
Community consultation period (one month)	April 2027
Hearings	May 2027
Council consideration of community feedback and final deliberations	May 2027
Adoption of the 10 Year Plan 2027-37 and Water Services Strategy 2027-37	By 30 June 2027

Levels of Service

17 The Treaty Partnership Level of Service adopted by Council on 19 March 2026 is attached for Te Pae Māori's information (Attachment B).

Aukaha Work Programme

18 Mana Ruruku has started to develop an initial work programme with Aukaha, based on the Te Pae Māori priorities outlined in the last meeting. A key piece of work that is being initiated and we wish to raise your attention on is:

· Housing and Business Development Capacity Assessment (HBA)

a. This assessment requires DCC and ORC to jointly prepare under the National Policy Statement on Urban Development.

b. The assessment includes a Māori housing assessment component. Aukaha is being contracted to deliver qualitative research on demand, issues and aspirations for housing for Māori in Dunedin.

c. As part of this research, interviews will be conducted with housing providers, social agencies, papatipu rūnaka, kaupapa Māori entities and a selected group of whānau Māori.

Mana Ruruku Activity

19 Mana Ruruku has contributed to a range of cross Council initiatives between April and July 2026 under its three operational pou, Tū Kotahi, Tū Ake and Tū Hono.

20 Policy development, submissions, and advisory work is detailed in Attachment A. This work supports Council decision-making by providing input on potential impacts, alignment with strategic priorities, and opportunities for improved engagement.

21 Upcoming items

a. Te Reo Māori Policy,

b. Naming Policy.

22. Tū Kotahi continues to work closely with staff across Council in increasing confidence in cultural capability and understanding of te ao Māori. Below are the numbers of those who have completed each Tū Kotahi programme within the 25/26 financial year.

a. Whakaohooho Programme: 205 participants

b. Whakamārama Programme: 133 participants

c. Kaiāwhina Whanake Programme: 52 participants

d. He Toka Tū Moana Programme: 34 participants

Te Pae Māori Priorities

23. From the specific priorities provided by mana whenua from the April Te Pae Māori hui, Mana Ruruku has grouped these priorities into four overarching priority areas – Infrastructure, Planning/Policy, Ecological and Community.

Priority Areas	Priority Category	Programmes/Projects/Kaupapa
Infrastructure	Water	Northern Water Scheme
	Housing	Healthy Homes
	Transport	Peninsula Connection
Planning/Policy	Long Term Plan
	Local Government Reform
	Future Development Strategy	Regional Spatial Planning
Ecological	Self-seeded Pines - coastal reserve land
	Otago Harbour
	Climate Change
Community	Events Planning	Puaka Matariki Festival
		Te Tiriti Commemorations
	Homelessness
	Civil Emergency Responsiveness
	Urupa	Provision of Māori burial areas

24 These priority areas will allow Council to have an understanding of what is most important to mana whenua, and highlight kaupapa mana whenua will have a high interest in being engaged or involved in.

25 In turn, the hope is to aid in DCC kaimahi expectations of kaupapa mana whenua are likely to have capacity to engage or collaborate, versus others where informing or consulting may be more appropriate forms of engagement.

Additional or future mahi that align with these priorities

26 Below are additional pieces of work within the Council’s current work programme that have been identified that align with the current priorities:

a. Infrastructure

i. Water (Water Services Strategy)

ii. Housing (Housing Demand Assessment)

iii. Transport (Princes Street)

b. Ecological

i. Climate Change (South Dunedin Futures, City-Wide Climate Adaptation)

ii. Avian Bird Flu Response

iii. Kettle Park Remediation

OPTIONS

27 While Te Pae Māori is not a decision-making forum for Council, discussion of these priority areas is beneficial for Council operations and assists Mana Ruruku in providing advice across Council activities.

28 At this time, feedback is sought from mana whenua and mātāwaka representatives of Te Pae Māori on whether these priority areas accurately reflect current priorities and whether any amendments are required.

29 The priority areas may be reviewed and amended over time as priorities change.

Option One – Priority areas remain unchanged

30 That Te Pae Māori supports the list of priority areas as presented.

Advantages

· Provides Council with an endorsed list of priorities to use when considering engagement with mana whenua.

· Strengthens the relationship and understanding between Council and mana whenua.

Disadvantages

· No disadvantages are identified.

Option Two – Amend priorities for endorsement at next Te Pae Māori hui

31 If mana whenua priorities are endorsed, Mana Ruruku will continue to work with these priorities in mind when communicating with other DCC teams. This will aid in providing better internal advice on what mana whenua want to actively engage on within DCC’s Work Programme.

32 If mana whenua priorities are amended, Mana Ruruku will make the necessary changes in how these align with DCC’s Work Programme and provide an updated report at the next Te Pae Māori hui.

NEXT STEPS

33 If mana whenua priorities are endorsed, Mana Ruruku will continue to work with these priorities in mind when communicating with other DCC teams. This will aid in providing better internal advice on what mana whenua want to actively engage on within DCC’s Work Programme.

34 If mana whenua priorities are amended, Mana Ruruku will make the necessary changes in how these align with DCC’s Work Programme and provide an updated report at the next Te Pae Māori hui.

Signatories

Author:	Caron Solomon - Kaiwhakahaere o Mana Ruruku
Authoriser:	Nicola Morand - Manahautū (General Manager Community and Strategy)

Attachments

	Title	Page
⇩a	Activity Report	21
⇩b	Treaty Partnership Level of Service	30

Co-Chairs	Mayor Sophie Barker	Mr Matapura Ellison

Members	Mr Edward Ellison	Cr Marie Laufiso
	Cr Cherry Lucas	Cr Mandy Mayhem
	Ms Paulette Tamati-Elliffe	Ms Vicky Totoro
	Cr Mickey Treadwell	Prof Emma Wyeth

	Title	Page
A ⇩	Minutes of Te Pae Māori Committee meeting held on 9 April 2026	11

	Title	Page
⇩a	Ngāi Tahu Head Start Proposal	33