Titiro whakamuri, kōkiri whakamura' 
'When you understand the past, you know your future'

HERITAGE TOGETHER - KOTAHITANGA | OROKŌHANGA POUTAMA 
Weaving a stairway from creation towards heritage unity and recognition
​
​Embarking on a journey together to explore ways that best connect the powerful stories and taonga of
​Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty and regionally 

Taonga Tauranga | Heritage Bay of Plenty is an independent registered charitable trust working with hapū, tangata whenua, heritage organisations, councils, stakeholders and the business community across the Western Bay, Tauranga City and the wider region to develop a Heritage Intent called: Heritage Together - Kotahitanga | Orokōhanga Poutama to weave together the powerful stories of our region's beginnings and to light the way to establishing Heritage as a standout industry in its own right within in our region

Western Bay of Plenty with Tauranga City at its heart is one of the few subregions within Aotearoa New Zealand that does not have an operational heritage strategy. At ministry level history heritage comes under Heritage New Zealand | Pouhere Taonga, while the creative sector comes under Creative New Zealand.  

There is strong levels of community support and goodwill locally, regionally and nationally towards developing this strategy.  An initiative which has significant social and economic advantages for hapū, Tangata whenua, individual heritage organisations, the business community and the region as a whole.  Heritage Together - Kotahitanga | Orokōhanga Poutama - A Heritage Intent is a significant step forward for connecting heritage in Tauranga, the Western Bay of Plenty, the wider region and beyond.

Acknowledgement: Photographs: Chris Taylor; Tauranga City Libraries, Tauranga Heritage Collection, CR Brown,