Culturally Inclusive Asset Management

Nelson City Council, in collaboration with WSP, has developed a pioneering Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework that successfully integrates Māori worldviews and values into infrastructure planning and decision-making.

The new framework represents a significant shift in asset management practices, providing a culturally responsive approach that incorporates iwi Māori perspectives at every stage of the asset management lifecycle.

The need for such a framework became apparent when Nelson City Council faced challenges in effectively engaging iwi in the asset management process. In 2020, iwi practitioners recommended that the Council seek independent Māori cultural consultation to guide the integration of Māori perspectives. By 2023, with the support of Te Tauihu iwi, the Council enlisted WSP’s Māori Business Advisory Services to help make this happen. The result was the creation of a framework that not only respects Māori cultural heritage but also ensures iwi participation in the planning, design, and management of infrastructure assets.

Fostering Strong Relationships

The Kaupapa Māori framework aligns with international asset management standards, making it adaptable for use by other councils across the country. It offers a valuable model for councils seeking to adopt a more inclusive approach to infrastructure management and ensures that Māori voices are heard and respected in decisions that affect their communities.

The framework also plays a critical role in fostering stronger relationships between iwi and Nelson's local government. By moving beyond transactional interactions and embracing a long-term, relationship-based approach, it helps build trust and ensures that Māori communities are actively involved in the stewardship of local assets. This approach exemplifies the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi), promoting equitable partnerships between iwi and local authorities. An example of where we worked with multiple stakeholders to inform our design is in the link below.

Example Project here

By embracing a Kaupapa Māori Asset Management Framework, councils can foster stronger iwi partnerships, build resilient communities, and create sustainable infrastructure that reflects Aotearoa New Zealand's cultural landscape.

Nathan Capper Kaitohutohu Māori - Matua (Senior Advisor - Māori) Regions - Upper South NZ

Nathan Capper Kaitohutohu Māori - Matua (Senior Advisor - Māori) Regions - Upper South NZ

mob_bnr_ Mori Wnanga Kaupapa asset management

Recognition of Value

In recognition of its innovative and culturally significant contribution, the framework recently won the Supreme Asset Management Excellence Award at the Āpōpō Asset Management Awards - underscoring the value of integrating Māori perspectives into asset management practices. It not only sets a new standard for infrastructure management but highlights the potential for councils across New Zealand to adopt similar approaches that foster inclusive, culturally aware decision-making.

For councils looking to enhance their asset management processes, the success of Nelson's Kaupapa Māori framework offers a clear example of how the integration of Māori knowledge and values can lead to better, more sustainable infrastructure solutions. By considering Māori perspectives, councils can build more resilient communities, strengthen iwi partnerships, and create infrastructure that truly reflects the cultural landscape of Aotearoa New Zealand.