Joint Media Release
Date: Saturday 11 October 2025
On Monday, the 22nd of September, TNN officially signed a relationship agreement with Horizons Regional Council, Taranaki Regional Council, and Ruapehu District Council.
This marks the completion of the council partnership obligations under the Maniapoto Claim Settlement Act 2022 and the Ngā Wai o Maniapoto (Waipā River) Act 2012.
This signing represents the culmination of two and a half years of mutual, integrity-driven collaboration between Te Nehenehenui and our council partners. Throughout this journey, both sides have shared a strong desire to forge a solid partnership built on trust and a genuine commitment to working well together.
The relationship agreement aims to strengthen the current relationship that exists between TNN and its southern border councils, with a particular focus on RMA matters, including resource consenting, monitoring and enforcement, and planning processes, as well as making it easier to identify new partnership opportunities.
In reflecting on this milestone, TNN Group CE Sam Mikaere shared a few thoughts on what this agreement means for the future of TNN and its ability to deliver positive outcomes for Maniapoto. Sam emphasized that this is just the beginning of a stronger, more cooperative phase for the signatories, as this agreement opens the door to a more connected and collaborative future.
Looking ahead, Te Nehenehenui and the councils will sit down together, pinpointing areas of collaboration that will align and support both TNN’s long-term strategy, Te Kawau Rukuroa, and the Councils’ long-term aspirations and goals.
Horizons Regional Council Deputy Chair Jono Naylor says the Joint Memorandum with Ngāti Maniapoto represents a vital framework for fostering a respectful and collaborative partnership, and underscores Horizons’ commitment to honouring the mana whakahaere of Maniapoto and their deep connection to the natural and traditional resources in their rohe.
“This agreement marks a significant step in strengthening the relationship between Horizons Regional Council and Maniapoto and will help us work together to achieve positive outcomes for the region. It establishes a constructive basis for collaboration on resource management, environmental monitoring and non-regulatory initiatives, while respecting Maniapoto kawa, tikanga and kaitiakitanga,” says Cr Naylor.
Taranaki Regional Council’s signatory, Bonita Bigham, says that despite the relatively small geographical overlap between Ngāti Maniapoto and TRC’s boundaries, it is the historical connections that remain most important.
“Our relationship is not bound by arbitrary lines on a map, which, from a Te Ao Māori perspective, are artificial anyway. We are connected, as iwi and as all members of our communities, through whakapapa, whenua and wai, from maunga to moana. These are the truly critical aspects which bind us together in this agreement, setting out our joint intention and commitment to be good kaitiaki,” says Cr Bigham.
Ruapehu District Council Mayor Weston Kirton says the signing of this relationship agreement with Ngāti Maniapoto lays a bedrock for constructive collaboration, mutual respect, and the achievement of shared aspirations.
“This agreement represents more than a formal commitment – it is a living expression of our intent to work together in a spirit of partnership to advance the well-being of the environment and our communities,” says Mayor Kirton.
Ends.
For general or media enquiries, contact:
Te Aorewa Rolleston
Communications Advisor for Te Nehenehenui
Email: comms@tnn.co.nz
