Kia Tūtahi Standing Together
The Relationship Accord between
the Communities of Aotearoa New Zealand
and the Government of New Zealand
Wawata - Vision
The communities of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Government of New Zealand working together for a fair, inclusive and flourishing society.
Kaupapa - Purpose
Communities and government are increasingly working together to navigate the cultural, social, environmental and economic challenges for our society. In this context, the Relationship Accord supports the building of strong relationships between communities and government, with benefits accessible to all, so that we can jointly achieve our vision.
Tuapapa - Foundations
The work of communities and government together is integral to the fabric of our society. At the heart of our relationship, are the aspirations and wellbeing of whanau and individuals within our communities.
We, as communities and government:
- acknowledge the special relationship between the Crown and tangata whenua through Te Tiriti o Waitangi
- acknowledge our history and the past work achieved by communities and government to strengthen relationships
- respect and value the many cultures and diversity of the communities of Aotearoa New Zealand
- respect and value the contribution of tangata whenua, community and voluntary sector organisations; whether large or small, structured or informal
- respect and value the contributions of everyone who dedicates their time and energy voluntarily for the benefit of their communities
- recognise the role of government in setting policy and managing public resources and the importance of communities contributing to the development of policy.1
Tikanga - Principles
We, as communities and government, agree to build our relationship on a set of principles that form the basis for committed actions.
We will respect Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- We recognise Te Tiriti o Waitangi as the foundation document of Aotearoa New Zealand.
- We respect all commitments that parties make under Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
- We will weave Te Tiriti through the work we do.
We have a collective responsibility to hear and respond to the voices of all.
- We will reach out to those who are not usually included and respond to the diversity in our communities.
- We will take account of the people whose daily lives are affected by our work.
- We will work to enable communities to determine their own destinies for the betterment of all.
- We will increase opportunities for people to participate and flourish in their communities.
- We will champion the principles and intent of this Relationship Accord.
We will act in good faith.
- We will do what we say we will do and put in place ways of making this clear to everyone.
- We will work cooperatively to resolve issues arising between us.
- We will act in the spirit of generosity towards each other.
- We will share our knowledge, celebrate success and learn from our experiences.
Our work together will be built on trust and mutual respect.
- We will be honest and open.
- We will develop and promote effective communication.
- We will be responsive to each otherís guidance and advice.
- We will respect the different roles and responsibilities we have.
Nga Mahinga - Putting the principles into practice
The success of the Relationship Accord will depend on how we put the principles into practice. We start from a strong base of more than a decade of work to strengthen relationships between communities and government and deliver better results for the people of Aotearoa New Zealand.
We will commit to implementing this Relationship Accord to achieve the following outcomes.
- The principles of the Relationship Accord are widely understood and modelled through consistent good practice.
- Communities and government are in genuine and purposeful engagement on matters of mutual interest and importance.
- Productive relationships between communities and government lead to decisions that reflect mutual interests.
- Communities and government jointly resolve longstanding matters of concern, such as, participation in decision-making around policy and service delivery issues, and funding arrangements.
- Communities and government have the resources to support working together better.
- Communities and government jointly review progress and share learning.
We will draw on the skills and knowledge within communities and government to resolve any differences and put in place strategies to give effect to the principles in the Relationship Accord.
Signatories
Signed by the communities of Aotearoa/New Zealand and the Government of New Zealand:
