A new era of partnership begins on Friday between Hamilton City Council and Waikato-Tainui iwi when their representatives will sign an agreement to co-manage and care for the Waikato River.
The catalyst for the agreement, which has taken 18 months to develop, was the passing by Parliament in May 2010 of the Waikato River Settlement Act.
It provides the framework for a relationship between the Crown and Waikato-Tainui to restore and protect the health and well-being of the river through a $210 million clean-up fund.
Key areas covered by Friday's agreement to co-manage the river include monitoring water quality, resource consents, authorised customary activities and planning documents.
Hamilton Mayor Julie Hardaker says the Waikato River is a taonga and what is an historic agreement, recognises the role the city has alongside Tainui to protect and nurture it.
