Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga is committed to upholding Marae/ Hapū rangatiratanga and assisting them to collectively plan, develop and manage resources.

In recent years TToH has been closely involved with many regional projects and the development of key local government strategies that have provided the opportunity for Māori to identify and articulate their needs and aspirations.

We recognise that as a region, Hawke’s Bay has been growing. So too has the maturity of its Māori constituents, their organisations, communities, marae and hapū.

Māori represent a significant and fast-growing proportion of the Hawke's Bay population. In recognition of their historical, contemporary and future needs, TToH established its Māori Community Development Unit, Te Manaaki Taiao.

Te Manaaki Taiao is strategically focused to:

Support marae/ hapū in their role as kaitiaki in managing and responding to development needs, aspirations and pressures.

Co-ordinate the ongoing identification and prioritisation of Māori development objectives and goals.

Facilitate the integration of Māori strategic priorities into regional development strategies with local and government stakeholders.

Provide liaison, advisory and consultancy services to marae/hapū and local government in accordance with all relevant, current legislation.

Te Manaaki Taiao works closely with marae/hapū and TToH partners to ensure Māori values are incorporated into long-term strategies and plans for Hawke’s Bay, to achieve mutually beneficial collaboration and tangible outcomes.