Strengthening Iwi Relationships

Published on 07 November 2025

Mayor Peri Zee and Councillors were honoured to attend a hui at Waiwhetū Marae on Wednesday.

Hosted by Ātiawa Nui Tonu - a collective of Mana Whenua partners including Taranaki Whānui ki Te Upoko o te Ika, the Wellington and Palmerston North Tenths Trust, and Te Rūnanganui o Te Ātiawa - the hui provided an opportunity for iwi to share their aspirations and for councils to strengthen relationships and deepen understanding.

The hui brought together representatives from Wellington City Council, Hutt City Council, Upper Hutt City Council, Greater Wellington Regional Council, and Tiaki Wai Metro Water - our region’s new water entity - in a spirit of connection and shared purpose.

It was the first gathering of its kind, uniting Councillors and Mayors from across the rohe with the iwi collective.

For Mayor Zee, it was a significant step towards deeper partnerships with local iwi and hapu. “We are committed to listening, learning and leaning in so we can better work together and make good decisions for our tamariki and mokopuna” she said.

Held on the anniversary of the Parihaka invasion, the hui also served as an important reflection on resilience, peace, and unity - values that continue to guide our collective mahi today.

“We are deeply grateful to Ātiawa Nui Tonu for their invitation and maanaki to the Councils in their takiwā (area)”