This nation has come a long way, but our journey—of which this bill is now part—is far from complete. Aotearoa New Zealand and the modern progressive nation we wish to be—in our nation, a Te Ao Māori worldview is an essential part of decision making. Ngāi Tahu representation on the council ensures a position of influence for mana whenua values, and it creates a governance structure that reflects the spirit and commitment to work together and is a big step forward toward true collaborative partnership between mana whenua and the council in the work it does. Ngāi Tahu councillors have played a pivotal role in building the social capital and community ownership of solutions that underpin water and land management in Canterbury. They provided confidence to Papatipu Rūnanga and wider tribal members that their voices, their environmental and societal vision and concerns, were heard at the highest level. The practical benefits were not least the greater efficiency in planning and consenting processes, reduced costs for both council and consent applicants, and the council's role in earthquake recovery. This representation contributed immeasurably to good outcomes in the region for the council, for its ratepayers, and even those visiting the region.