The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board has been working with Taupō District Council on a draft Joint Management Agreement (JMA) — a tool to make sure the voice of Ngāti Tūwharetoa is present in decisions about Taupō Moana and the Upper Waikato Awa.
This mahi isn’t new. It comes from the Ngāti Tūwharetoa, Raukawa and Te Arawa River Iwi Waikato River Act 2010 and reflects our legal role as owners of these waterways.
The agreement has been years in the making. While COVID caused early delays, we’re pleased to see it now reaching this point.
The Trust Board is proud of the integrity shown by those who’ve supported this kaupapa from the start, including councillors and staff who’ve leaned in, listened, and worked alongside us to get things right.
“This work has taken time, and that’s allowed space for honest kōrero, shared learning, and for both sides to come to the table in good faith,” says Trust Board Chair John Bishara. “That’s what real partnership looks like.”
What the draft JMA includes:
- Shared work on things like planning, consents, and monitoring
- Support for customary activities and mana whenua input
- A joint three-year work plan to focus effort where it matters most
- Clear recognition of hapū roles and relationships.
Let’s be clear:
- It does not give the Trust Board the right to speak for hapū
- It does not override existing or future hapū and Council relationships
- It does not affect public access to Taupō Moana
- It does support hapū leadership and the expression of our mātauranga
- It does strengthen the relationship between the Council and mana whenua
- It does uphold the intent of our Treaty settlement legislation
“This kaupapa isn’t about politics – it’s about responsibility,” says Bishara.
“We’re doing what we’re here to do: uphold our mana, protect our wai, and serve our people.”
The draft JMA, FAQs, and further information are now available here: https://www.tuwharetoa.co.nz/tdc-jma-2025/
The Trust Board will continue to engage with hapū, marae and whānau as the process moves forward.