Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) has reaffirmed its commitment to a partnership agreement with the region’s Papatipu Rūnanga.

At the Council meeting on 17 September 2025, councillors voted to adopt a refreshed version of the Tuia Agreement. It reinforces collaboration between the parties, recognising that the 10 Papatipu Rūnanga within the region hold mana whenua (authority over the land) and mana moana (authority over the water) within Waitaha Canterbury.

The updated agreement was endorsed by Te Rōpū Tuia, a collective group of regional councillors and chairs of the region’s Papatipu Rūnanga on 29 August 2025.

Honouring past agreements

Regional council chair Craig Pauling, who is also co-chair of Te Rōpū Tuia, said the agreement represented a shared commitment to enhancing outcomes for current and future generations along with ensuring a vibrant environment.

It also reflected the role each party played in recognising the Crown’s apology and the “new age of cooperation” in the Ngāi Tahu Claims Settlement Act, and the future needs of the Waitaha Canterbury region.

“A lot has changed since the Tuia Agreement was first signed in 2012, and we’ve learned a lot in the time that has passed since then. While we needed to update the agreement, it’s important to note that, during detailed discussions with Papatipu Rūnanga, we agreed that although the priorities and ways of working may have changed, the intent and much of the original agreement is still fit for purpose,” he said.

Foundation for robust relationship

Interim Te Rōpū Tuia co-chair Gail Gordon addressed the council at the beginning of the meeting and explained that the updated agreement had the backing of participating rūnanga.

“On behalf of the Papatipu Rūnanga involved in Te Rōpū Tuia, I reiterate our support of this renewed agreement which sets a new pathway of respectful engagement and growth in this relationship and understanding into the future, allowing it to provide the foundations for future further evolution of the relationship between mana whenua and regional council.

“We do not always agree on the detail of what or how actions should be undertaken. However, we do all agree that we are better to work together respectfully rather than being confrontational.”

The updated agreement is also being circulated with each Papatipu Rūnanga for ratification, after which it will be published on our website.