It is hoped new terms of reference for the mana-to-mana group between the Otago Regional Council and Kai Tahu Otago runanga will improve their relationship.
The terms of reference were proposed by Kai Tahu ki Otago and, after consideration at a recent mana-to-mana meeting, it asked for formal endorsement of the terms by the regional council.
In another move to address legislative requirements, the council had also invited the group to elect two representatives to its natural resources committee - a first for the council.
Council chairman Stephen Woodhead said at yesterday's council meeting he was well aware the council had not been meeting runanga needs so it was hoped the terms of reference would focus the group, give it aims and objectives.
"It's about enhancing our relationship and ensuring they are part of the management of natural resources, in particular water."
The group comprised Mr Woodhead and councillors David Shepherd, Sam Neill and Duncan Butcher and the chairmen of Te Runanga o Moeraki, Kati Huirapa Runaka ki Puke-teraki, Te Runanga o Otakou and Hokonui Runanga.
A one year timeframe had been allowed to achieve the changes before the terms were reviewed.
The objectives included strengthening their relationship, collaborating on improving environmental sustainability, identifying opportunities for Kai Tahu to contribute to council decision making and to set and oversee a joint work programme concerning resource management.
Otakou runanga chairman Edward Ellison said problems with consultation on the council's water plan process had been the "trigger" for the terms and it was hoped it would lead to effective consultation and engagement in policy and planning processes.
"It'll put a framework in place."
If the agreement was honoured and the work was put in to it, the terms would serve both parties well, he said.
The offer from the council for two representatives to sit on the natural resources committee was seen as an "isolated attempt to address the consultation requirements".
However, with the terms in place, two representatives would not be sitting in isolation, he said.
"Now, there is a framework to support the two positions."
