A new partnership between Te Arawa and the Rotorua District Council will act as a blueprint for other rohe to adopt, Labour says.
Nanaia Mahuta Photo: RNZ / Diego Opatowski
The partnership was approved eight votes to five on Tuesday and includes setting up an independent board representing Te Arawa interests.
Labour's Māori development spokesperson Nanaia Mahuta said about 1870 submissions were received, with 200 of those heard over five days of hearings.
She said the scope of consultation in developing the plan and the breadth of representation on the board was a good template for other councils to adapt to their individual needs.
"They make provision for rangatahi to be represented on the board and I think that's a good thing," she said.
"I also believe the evolving interests that Te Arawa want to demonstrate within its local economy, and also social development aspirations will start to emerge from this model."
Ms Mahuta said it was important to include public consultation on innovative models such as this partnership, and a robust debate was achieved prior to the council's approval of the agreement.
