Kaihautu¯ to strengthen relationships

Hara Adams knows she’s taken on a ‘‘heavy’’ position with the Marlborough District Council.

Formerly an adviser to the Nga¯i Tahu Fund, Adams has moved to Marlborough to take up a position with the council as the new kaihautu¯ , manager of Ma¯ ori partnerships.

‘‘The position, I know it’s heavy, and it definitely comes with its challenges,’’ Adams said.

‘‘I guess it’s an appropriate next step [for me], and I just see the positives that could come out of this role for everybody . . . council, iwi and the wider community.’’

Adams’ role was designed to facilitate partnerships with iwi and ‘‘promote collaborative and positive engagement’’ with Ma¯ ori to effectively deliver council services.

Adams, of Nga¯ti Raukawa ki te Tonga, Muau¯poko, Nga¯ti Tukorehe, Nga¯ti Toa Rangitira and Nga¯i Tahu descent, would also support Ma¯ ori in decision-making and help council, councillors and staff work in partnership with iwi.

‘‘I’m looking forward to meeting everybody, and making connections with people, and seeing everybody faceto-face,’’ she said.

‘‘Taking the role hasn’t been about me. I just really want to see organisations like council and the like, have more cultural awareness and I think we’re at a time when that’s what councils and organisations are wanting.

‘‘My welcome has been really warm at the council. It’s a sign of the times, where the partnership with Ma¯ori is proving to be beneficial for everybody involved.’’

The position meant she would provide strategic advice and guidance on iwi engagement and Ma¯ori cultural matters. She would also facilitate civic and ceremonial events to ensure tikanga Ma¯ ori was appropriately incorporated into council’s event planning.

Hara, born and raised in O¯ taki, had many years of experience working with iwi and ro¯ pu¯ Ma¯ ori and was competent in te reo Ma¯ori me o¯na Tikanga (language and cultural practices).

Her role with Nga¯ i Tahu involved working directly with wha¯ nau and iwi to successfully manage the delivery of programmes that supported the development of Nga¯ i Tahu.

‘‘The kaihautu¯ role is a great example of how our people can be involved in shaping ways in which organisations engage and partner with iwi and Ma¯ ori.

‘‘I am looking forward to enhancing space for iwi to be involved in decisionmaking regarding issues that affect them.’’

Marlborough District Council chief executive Mark Wheeler said central government reforms included enhanced roles for iwi, to enable them to contribute at council governance level.

‘‘The kaihautu¯ will help with that,’’ Wheeler said.