Iwi Relationships

​Ngāi Tahu

Ngāi Tahu occupies all but the most northern part of the south island, which includes the Ashburton District. The Ngāi ​ Tahu papatipu runganga of Arowhenua and Ngāi Tū​ā​huriri share mana whenua status and responsibilities in Ashburton District.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua

Arowhenua is the principal Māori kā​inga of South Canterbury and lies between the junction of the Temuka and Opihi Rivers just 2kms south of Temuka. Arowhenua's strategic vision is:

Nurturing our people through generations, guardians of the environments we live in, progressing our future
locally and globally

Council's Relationship with Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua

Council has a strong relationship with the rūnanga and normally makes a formal visit to the marae each year to discuss issues of mutual importance.

The Rūnanga has developed its own strategic plan to guide future development. Council will look to contribute where appropriate to the achievement of the Rūnanga's strategic goals.

Much of Council's relationship with the rūnanga is focused on issues of kaitiakitanga (environmental guardianship), particularly within the context of the Resource Management Act. Council works closely with Arowhenua on issues of this type, as well as other matters of mutual importance.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua is a valued contributor to community planning processes within Ashburton District, particularly through membership of the Ashburton Zone Committee – part of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

Te Rūnanga o Arowhenua has its own health and social services agency, Arowhenua Whā​nau Services, which delivers services in the South Canterbury District Health Board area.

Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga

Tuahiwi is the home of Ngāi Tūāhuriri and has played a vital role in Ngāi Tahu history. The takiwā (district) of Te Ngāi Tūāhuriri Rūnanga centres on Tuahiwi and extends from the Hurunui to the Hakatere river and inland to the Main Divide. Ngāi Tūāhuriri is a valued member the Ashburton Zone Committee – part of the Canterbury Water Management Strategy.

Ashburton District Council Contact

Strategy & Policy Manager
info@adc.govt.nz