Kōtuitanga
Strategic Agreements and PartnershipsJump to section
About
Kōtuitanga, is the name endorsed by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei for strategic agreements and partnerships working primarily with Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
The word kōtuitanga can be translated as lashing or joining. It references Te Kōtuitanga on the western border of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei lands of interest where waka were carved and lashed with rākau from Waitākere and then floated on Te Whau.
It embodies the idea of coming together as one, working collaboratively towards common goals. Emphasizing the importance of cooperation, mutual support, and shared responsibility within our hapori and the central Tāmaki Makaurau area.
Together, in relationship with partnered corporations, we embrace the fruition of opportunities and reciprocal supports that will contribute to the advancement of our iwi, hapū, and wider hapori within central Tāmaki Makaurau, fostering stronger connections and driving positive change.
Foundation North
December 4, 2023 marked the signing of a kōtuitanga between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Foundation North for the purpose of continuing to build and strengthen the milestone partnership between both parties, including significant commitment and contribution from Foundation North to support the aspirations of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei.
“This is an investment that will be cherished and put to good use so that we can build upon the foundations laid by our tupuna and continue to make our city the great city that we know it can be, and to further contribute to the wider Taitokerau and country.”
– Ngarimu Blair, Deputy Chair – Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Board
Sky City
On March 6, 2024 Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei together with Sky City Auckland joined to sign a Kōtuitanga, indentifying the unique active relationship between the two parties.
“Over the last few years, SkyCity has been on a journey to embrace te ao Māori, guided by local iwi Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. The signing of this Kōtuitanga formally recognises our ongoing relationship, and underscores our shared values of connection, respect, and inclusion." - Michael Ahearne, Sky City Auckland Entertainment Group Chief Executive Officer
"As tangata whenua and ahi kā of central Tāmaki and the Waitematā, Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is honored to strengthen our partnership with Sky City Auckland, New Zealand's premier tourism, leisure, and entertainment company. This Kōtuitanga symbolises more than a partnership; it represents our mutual respect, shared aspirations, and a commitment to honoring traditions and nurturing relationships. Together, we are dedicated to elevating the appeal of Tāmaki Makaurau to both local and international visitors, celebrating our shared heritage and our role as guardians of our treasured city." - Marama Royal, Chair of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust Baord
Waipapa Taumata Rau - University of Auckland
On March 5, 2022 Waipapa Taumata Rau – University of Auckland and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei strengthened the ongoing relationship with the signing of a Kōtuitanga.
As Waipapa Taumata Rau sits in the heart of central Tāmaki Makaurau, the manaakitanga and relationship between the University and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei is regarded as crucial for a successful future for the diversity of kaimahi (staff), tauira (students), alumni, and whānau.
The Kōtuitanga builds on the 2003 partnership established by then Vice-Chancellor John Hood and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei rangatira Sir Hugh Kāwharu.
The University and iwi are committed to continue this legacy and partnership. This includes supporting the enduring Waipapa Toitū framework and its strategic plans, programmes, and activities, as well as contribution to cultural narratives, and Te Reo Māori, tikanga and kawa.
Ngā Ana Wai Eden Park
3 May, 2023 signified the signing of a kōtuitanga between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ngā Ana Wai – Eden Park a shared agreement between the two parties to solidify an ongoing strategic relationship that fosters mahi tahi and reciprocity.
The kōtuitanga is built upon the foundations of an already strong relationship between Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Ngā Ana Wai. For long we have worked alongside the Eden park leadership team for major events and kaupapa taking place at the esteemed location that is Ngā Ana Wai Eden park, most recently Te Matatini, the premiere international Kapa Haka competition. This kōtuitanga is the formalisation of a mutual commitment to build on shared aspirations for our people and our city of Tāmaki Makaurau.
We were proud to gift a pouwhenua to the Ngā Ana-Wai Eden Park Leadership team. The pouwhenua is named Huihuinga and was carved by Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei carver Arekatera Maihi. Pouwhenua were often used to stake out tribal boundaries. Huihuinga is an acknowledgment of all the many significant locations across our tribal region of Te Kahu Tōpuni o Tuperiri, and in which Ngā Ana Wai Eden Park sits in the middle of.
The Ministry of Pacific Peoples
29 August, 2022 - The Ministry of Pacific Peoples and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei welcomed a new dawn of partnership and prosperity at a Dawn Raids Apology commemoration ceremony in Auckland, with the signing of a kōtuitanga.
This event was not only to commemorate the one-year anniversary of the Dawn Raids Apology, but also symbolises the past, present and future journey of Pacific in Aotearoa.
“What we are looking to now is a future of lasting prosperity between tangata whenua of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei and Pacific peoples. This partnership will help ensure our young people are not shackled by racism and can thrive, prosper and realise their fullest potential as present and future leaders of Aotearoa.” - Hon Aupito William Sio, Minister for Pacific Peoples
“As we look to the past, present and future, we note the kaupapa that took place today is an important moment in history. It is a symbol of strength and unity between tangata whenua and Pacific people across our city of Tāmaki Makaurau, and Aotearoa.” – Marama Royal, Chair of the Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei
Emirates Team New Zealand
For over 30 years ETNZ and Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have held a longstanding relationship, first established by the Taumata of Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei. In October 2023, the two parties signed a kōtuitanga partnership to solidify the ongoing mutual aspirations for the development of their relationship now and into the future.
The Kōtuitanga outlines the respective roles and responsibilities to each other and the shared values that will guide the relationship and the areas of opportunity to both organisations in Aotearoa New Zealand and internationally such as collaborating on lifting capacity and capability of Māori into Emirates Team New Zealand supported sailing academies, programmes and events, internships as well as developing and progressing joint R&D and innovation opportunities including Taiao/sustainability initiatives. - ETNZ
“For 30 years Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei have been proud iwi manaaki and close partners of Emirates Team New Zealand and their America’s Cup endeavours. This kōtuitanga is about both acknowledging the past and looking to future opportunities for our relationship as the team represent Aotearoa in the America’s Cup. So we look forward to our ongoing role as kaitiaki to the team and helping promote New Zealand’s unique culture in Barcelona and on the world stage in 2024 right alongside Emirates Team New Zealand. - Marama Royal, Chair - Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei Trust
