Co-governance happened in Rotorua 15 years ago. It happened when the Te Arawa Lakes Settlement established co-governance between the council, Rotorua Lakes Council, the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, and Te Arawa. That settlement has been an outstanding success in working together to think long term and for the health and mauri of our beautiful lakes. When we ensure that Māori and Pākehā are both at the table, we create good outcomes for our whole community. 