In 2019, the members of the newly established Whanganuia-Tara Whaitua Committee from Wellington, Upper Hutt and Lower Hutt, accompanied by Greater Wellington (Greater Wellington Regional Council) Councillors and staff members, gathered on Matiu Island to meet for the first time. Led by Taranaki Whānui, with Ngāti Toa Rangatira at their side, a pōwhiri to welcome the committee was followed by a full day wānanga. This process would set the tone for what we wanted to achieve collectively for our communities, how we wanted to work together, and the partnership approach we wanted to demonstrate with Mana Whenua within our committee.