The Social Development and Wellbeing Accord was negotiated by Te Hiku Iwi as an element of the settlement of historical grievances. While not legislated by the Treaty Settlement Act, it nevertheless forms an important part of the redress arrangements.
The impetus of the Social Accord came from the high level of deprivation in the rōhe of Te Hiku, disparities (both historical and present) between Māori and non-Māori, and the desire to effect change.
Signed in 2013 between Te Hiku Iwi and Crown agencies, the aspirations of the Social Accord are to be achieved by working as a collaborative body, combining respective perspectives, resources and analyses to increase both the efficiency and effectiveness of government services provided to our people in order to promote:
- Cultural advancement, education, spiritual, social and economic wellbeing
- Economic advancement and wellbeing health of the environment including revitalisation of Te Oneroa ā Tōhē and other places of special significance
- Collaborative working relationships between the participating Iwi
- Multilevel engagements
