Mana Whenua, Mataawaka, and Local Government. An Examination of Relationships Between Maori and Local Government in Wellington and the Hutt Valley

Abstract

This thesis is about governance relationships between Maori and local governments. The research has used a Kaupapa Maori methodology which has aimed at identifying areas of ongoing colonial practice, while also highlighting Maori values, rules and institutions. The thesis has been grounded in Wellington and the Hutt Valley, and investigated the historical and contemporary relationships between British-informed local government and Taranaki Whanui ki te Upoko o te Ika. A key focus has examined how local government legislation has failed to meet Maori te Tiriti o Waitangi/Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti/ the Treaty) expectations of partnership, resulting in on going debate over how Maori are involved in local decision-making. In particular, the thesis has analysed the Local Government Act 2002, and the Local Electoral Act 2001, both pieces of legislation which are meant to support Te Tiriti / the Treaty. Examination of the Local Government Act 2002, reveals that partnership remains a contentious proposition for local governments. Examination of the Local Electoral Act 2001, demonstrates how local governments are unwilling and unable to support Maori as local decision-makers. I argue that neither of these pieces of legislation can produce Te Tiriti / the Treaty partnership as they are only informed by western legal ideas which are sourced in colonial practices of local governance. Although these arguments are also true in Wellington and the Hutt Valley, by examining local government relationships with both mana whenua (iwi) and mataawaka (Maori from outside of Wellington and the Hutt Valley) there is clear evidence of how Maori governing rules and institutions continue to influence how Maori and local governments engage.