Why this is a priority
Māori, the indigenous people of Aotearoa New Zealand have lived in Tāmaki Makaurau for over 1000 years. Te Tiriti o Waitangi recognises the rangatiratanga of Auckland's mana whenua and their inseparable bond between Tāmaki Makaurau the people and Tāmaki Makaurau the place.
Tāmaki Makaurau embraces its uniqueness sourced in the cosmological traditions and guardianship of mana whenua. The establishment of Auckland is founded on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is shaped by its Māori history and presence.
Today, the population of Māori in Tāmaki Makaurau is diverse and dynamic. Māori comprise nearly 12 per cent of Auckland's population, and number around 160,000 people. Over half are under 25 years and nearly a third under 15 years.
Our tūpuna have provided rich legacies of knowledge and practices that nurture whakapapa and reaffirm Māori ways of collective action. These can guide our responses today.
Learning from these intergenerational relationships and practices allows us to plan for what our unique places and communities will face over the next few generations and beyond, not just what they need today.
Mana whenua play a significant role in sustaining the region and the region’s identity. The responsibilities and obligations as inherent kaitiaki to manaaki those communities that reside within their tribal domains must be upheld.
Mataawaka make a significant contribution to the well-being of the region and add to the economic, cultural and social richness.
The strengths and contributions Māori bring to Auckland will advance cultural, social, economic and environmental well-being for all Aucklanders.
Read about roles and partnerships to deliver our actions.
