Yesterday, 8 August 2025, the Waitakere Ranges Local Board, took the first step in creating a Deed of Acknowledgement between the Crown and Auckland Council and the iwi, Te Kawerau a Maki. The Board supported the Deed and also the creation of a joint forum or committee with advisory and advocacy powers to see a strategic plan for the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area, a work programme and regular monitoring. The forum will consist of 3 members of local boards, 2 councillors, one person representing DOC, and 5 members of Te Kawerau.
The deed is allowed for in the Waitakere Ranges Heritage Area Act, passed in 2008, but it has taken another 16 years to come to pass. Next steps are it is going to the Policy and Planning Committee on 14 August and then the Governing Body of Council.
History in the making.