The joint protection and management of Mauao has been reaffirmed in the Bay of Plenty, with the Mauao Trust and Tauranga City Council signing a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) this month.
The updated agreement continues the co-governance arrangement first established in 2013 and revised in 2018, formalising roles, responsibilities and decision-making through Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao, the joint administration board.
Mauao Trust Chair Matemoana McDonald said the agreement went far beyond words on paper.
“This agreement is more than a document, it’s a living expression of our shared responsibility to care for Mauao,” McDonald said.
“It recognises the mana of iwi as kaitiaki and the importance of working together in good faith.”
Under the new MOU, Ngā Poutiriao will continue to co-manage the Mauao Historic Reserve in line with He Korowai Ariki o Mauao, the strategic plan developed to reflect the mountain’s cultural, historical and spiritual significance, as well as the official Mauao Historic Reserve Management Plan.
The board has equal representation, with four members appointed by the Mauao Trust and four by Tauranga City Council.
Tauranga Mayor Mahé Drysdale said the updated MOU reflects the strength of the relationship and shared purpose between the two parties.
“Together, we are committed to ensuring this taonga is protected, respected, and celebrated while ensuring public access and community engagement continues,” Drysdale said.
Mauao, one of the most iconic and visited landmarks in the region, is both a heritage site and a place of deep cultural identity for iwi of Tauranga Moana.
It attracts more than a million visitors each year and holds layers of significance for the people who have lived in its shadow for generations.
The MOU reaffirms the commitment of both governance partners to uphold the values of kaitiakitanga, partnership, and community engagement.
Ngā Poutiriao ō Mauao will continue to make joint decisions on management, restoration and future planning to protect Mauao for future generations.
6 comments
Who?
Posted on 30-06-2025 08:09 | By Yadick
The cost of restoration and ongoing costs falls on who and at what share if any? We are represented and therefore should know.
Co-whatever Mahe
Posted on 30-06-2025 09:37 | By an_alias
This is simply we co-govern but the tax payer pays for IT ALL.
How much do we also pay for this "co-governance".
All from the guy who never mentioned he would push through these policies, so trust worthy, NOT.
1
Posted on 30-06-2025 10:05 | By Resident1
Does anyone know what the Mauao Trust contribute financially towards the MOU or any other costs associated with Mauao?
Good Question
Posted on 30-06-2025 13:09 | By Mommatum
Yes I would also like to know who will end up bearing financial responsibility. I am also Maori, but if as I suspect it is simply an iwi group making all the rules while the ratepayers pay for everything that is simply not on. Signing Memorials of Whateva is all very well, but when these ‘joint decisions’ around management, restoration and ‘future planning’ who in fact will be paying the bills??
What words if any have been altered
Posted on 30-06-2025 14:27 | By Bruja
in this agreement from the previous agreement please Mahe? We have a right to have this made public. Thank you.
Documents
Posted on 03-07-2025 12:51 | By k Smith
Funny how these people don't ask for documents relating to other TCC decisions,
EG did you ask for the lease agreement documents from the new TCC premises or the rtes rise? It seems you are worried that Maori are earning some $$$.
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