12 M Ä ORI REPRESENTATIO N IN LO CAL GOVE R N M E N T Case study: “There is much that can be learnt” A case study published by the Department of Internal Affairs in 2009 concluded, “There is much that can be learnt from the example provided by Environment Bay of Plenty” (p.36). “Environment Bay of Plenty has shown a lot of leadership in promoting and establishing ways of strengthening Mäori engagement in council processes and decision-making. There are a number of mechanisms which have been developed to facilitate Mäori engagement and strengthen Mäori capacity, which build off strong relationships and mutual goodwill between Mäori and Environment Bay of Plenty. The establishment of the Mäori constituency seats is a key mechanism utilised to facilitate Mäori input and participation into council. While council and Mäori acknowledge its practical effect in giving Mäori a voice at the decision-making table, they also recognise that the Mäori seats are a symbol of the validation and respect of Mäori as tangata whenua. While the Mäori seats are the flagship mechanism for facilitating Mäori participation, it is the support mechanisms – put in place to ensure effective engagement with Mäori at all levels – that give substance to the relationship. Without these mechanisms, the Mäori seats would be severely restricted in their ability to bring about effective engagement with Mäori. There appear to be several factors which are important to successful engagement practices between Mäori and local government: • The council demonstrating its commitment to Mäori and the Treaty of Waitangi through their actions and not just their words. • The establishment of Mäori electorate seats guaranteeing Mäori representation on council. • The council recognising that Mäori participation and engagement needs to be taking place at all levels of council. • The council trying different approaches that strengthen Mäori participation such as the "roving" Mäori committee. • The council listening to what Mäori have to say, responding and following up on any required action. • Strong leadership from council and Mäori, which is driving a collaborative approach. Also strong formal and informal relationships between the leadership of each party. • Recognition that relationships with Mäori are diverse and dynamic and require multiple approaches that continue to evolve and develop. • Continual monitoring and review of engagement and relationship initiatives to measure the effectiveness of specific approaches and inform future planning. (Department of Internal Affairs, 2009, p.34-36).