From The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board Facebook Page.

Trust Board response to council vote to defer JMA decision

August 1, 2025

The Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board is disappointed the Taupō District Council has chosen to draw out the process for the joint management agreement (JMA) by deferring it to the next council. 

This decision fails to meet the Council’s legal obligations under the Waikato River Act 2010.

The JMA has been co-developed through a process that fully aligns with the legislation and was ready for adoption after being endorsed by the Joint Committee.

The discussion at yesterday’s meeting reflected a clear double-standard. Councillors spent significant time debating whether public consultation should occur, despite receiving clear advice that consultation was not required under the Local Government Act or Council policy.

“The fact that consultation became the focus, even though it wasn’t required, makes it hard to ignore the sense of different standards being applied here,” says Trust Board Chair John Bishara.

“This decision is out-of-step with the values many in our community expect and undermines the good work that has been done to this point.”

In light of the decision, the Trust Board will now take time to consider all available options under the Waikato River Act 2010.

The Trust wants to thank the over 100 Tūwharetoa whānau who put in a submission of support, and those who showed up at the council vote to tautoko.

No matter what, Ngāti Tūwharetoa are kaitiaki of Taupō Moana, and we will continue to protect our taonga, āke ake ake. 

I have not seen anything else on this decision anywhere else but, have had visitors this morning so no time to look.

Here is a video of 3 submissions yesterday – about 17 and a half minutes to watch.