Whanganui residents are being invited for “tea and a chat” about Whanganui District Council’s post-Treaty settlement relationship with hapū and iwi.

The council wants to engage with residents before making decisions on a platform for joint work with Takapau Whariki, the proposed post-settlement governance entity for the Whanganui Treaty of Waitangi settlement.

The three elements of the platform are:

• Adopting the relationship agreement Te Tomokanga ki Te Matapihi;
• Entering into a Statutory Reserves Board, Ngā Tūtei a Maru, subject to finalising the settlement;
• Agreeing to the establishment of a charitable trust, Toitū te Whānau.

A series of informal drop-in sessions will be held throughout January in libraries, community centres and public spaces around the district.

The sessions are to provide an opportunity to share a cup of tea, ask questions and give feedback on proposals that would require the participation of the council once the settlement has been finalised.

At the sessions will be Whanganui Land Settlement Negotiation Trust chair Ken Mair and other team members.

Chief Crown Negotiator Rick Barker will also be available, along with Whanganui mayor Andrew Tripe and district councillor Josh Chandulal-Mackay.

In December, around 350 people attended two panel sessions at the Whanganui War Memorial Centre and an engagement event was held at Mōwhānau.

A survey is also underway on the council website where people can share their feedback and ideas. The council said more than 200 responses have been received to date.

Responses and feedback from community engagement events are being collected to help councillors understand residents’ views ahead of their meeting on 13 February, when decisions will be made on the council’s post-Treaty settlement relations with hapū and iwi.

The February meeting will be public and live-streamed on the council’s Facebook page.

Drop-in session times are:

Thursday 23 January, 9.30-11.30am, Alexander Library; same day, 4.30-6pm, Hakeke Community Centre and Library; Wednesday 29 January, 10am-12pm, Gonville Library; Thursday 30 January, 9.30-11am, lake-front lawn at Rotokawau Virginia Lake (weather dependent); same day 4.15-5.45pm, Castlecliff Community Hub and Library.

The engagement period closes on Sunday, 2 February.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air