30 YEARS OF ADVOCACY BY TŪRANGI-TONGARIRO COMMUNITY BOARD

After the upcoming local election, the board will be replaced with ward representation from one councillor, and a district-wide Māori ward, Te Papamārearea, with two councillors.

The area will also be supported by a Mana Whakahono a Rohe, a partnership agreement between Taupō District Council and Ngāti Tūrangitukua, the Ngāti Tūwharetoa hapū which holds mana whenua over Tūrangi township. As part of the Mana Whakahono, an equal co-governance committee made up of both Ngāti Tūrangitukua and council appointees will be set up.

Outgoing Taupō District councillor and community

board member Tangonui Kingi has served three terms nine years - on the community board. He says the board has always been about “real grassroots community engagement”.

“At a councillor level it’s similar, but the community board has always been about being in the trenches with the community and understanding what’s going on. It allows a bigger community like Tūrangi to make sure all the intel and feedback gets to Council.”

While he understands the value of the community board, Mr Kingi says those involved have been vocal about the fact Mana Whakahono is the best way forward.

You can read more about what the board has achieved at taupo.govt.nz.

Tūrangi-Tongariro Community Board members Paula McRae (left), Donna Searancke, Rob Severne, John Mack, George O’Connor Patena, Te Takinga New, Clint Green and Tangonui Kingi.