Tikanga-led international relationships grounded in equality and respect
Eastern Bridge works alongside iwi and hapū to support meaningful international engagement that reflects tikanga, strengthens rangatahi pathways, and creates long-term opportunities for communities.
Our approach positions iwi as equal international partners — not stakeholders, and not subordinate to local government. Relationships are built with care, cultural respect, clarity of scope, and a long-term view.
At a glance
• Iwi and hapū engaged as equal international partners
• Tikanga-led relationship management
• Focus on rangatahi, education, and cultural exchange
• Pathways into study, volunteering, and community exchange
• Access to provincial-level frameworks (including Jiangxi)
• No management fees for iwi or hapū
• Clear scope, transparency, and low risk
Why iwi-led international relationships matter
International relationships have traditionally been managed through local or central government, with iwi participation often secondary.
Eastern Bridge supports a different model — one where iwi and hapū:
• Hold their own relationships with overseas cities or institutions
• Engage directly, based on shared values and mutual respect
• Participate alongside councils as equals, not observers
• Exercise full authority over their level of participation
This approach reflects whakapapa, identity, mana, and tikanga as central to genuine people-to-people engagement.
Structured international relationships can support:
• Rangatahi development and leadership
• Cultural revitalisation and international visibility
• Education pathways
• Long-term economic resilience
• Enduring global friendships beyond political cycles
A tikanga-led approach
Eastern Bridge works with iwi and hapū in ways that respect Māori decision-making, governance structures, and cultural norms.
In practice, this means:
• Engagement guided by tikanga and kawa
• Space for kōrero and relationship-building before activity
• No externally imposed timelines
• Clear iwi authority over scope and direction
• Support for overseas partners to understand tikanga and Māori values
All activity proceeds only with iwi agreement. Participation in specific initiatives is always voluntary.
How Eastern Bridge supports iwi
Eastern Bridge acts as an International Relationship Manager and Facilitator.
We:
• Establish new international relationships under iwi mandate
• Induct iwi into structured frameworks (including Jiangxi Province)
• Manage communication with overseas counterparts
• Identify opportunities aligned to iwi priorities
• Make recommendations — iwi decide whether to proceed
• Provide structured reporting as agreed
We do not act beyond agreed scope.
We do not make commitments on behalf of iwi.
We operate under iwi authority.
There are no management fees for iwi participation.
The Jiangxi relationship opportunity
Iwi in regions such as the Bay of Plenty, Tairāwhiti, Waikato and surrounding areas may choose to connect through the established Jiangxi provincial framework.
This model allows:
• Direct iwi-to-city relationships
• Equal standing alongside local government partners
• Participation in provincial-level initiatives
• Access to scale and visibility not available through isolated arrangements
The framework is collective.
It reduces cost.
It increases opportunity.
All Agreements of Friendship are non-binding and non-legal. They signify intent and relationship development, not contractual obligation.
Rangatahi, cultural and community pathways
Eastern Bridge supports programmes that reflect iwi aspirations and strengthen community wellbeing.
These may include:
• Fully funded volunteer opportunities overseas
• Cultural exchange and promotion of te reo Māori and tikanga
• Youth leadership development
• Hosting inbound delegations and cultural groups
• Community-to-community exchange initiatives
Programmes are developed collaboratively and reflect iwi priorities.
Education & capability (through Eastern Bridge Education)
Eastern Bridge Education is a registered Private Training Establishment.
Working alongside iwi, we can support:
• Community-based training delivered locally or on marae
• Use of iwi trainers within accredited frameworks
• Access to government funding streams
• Pathways into employment and further study
• Cultural awareness and language programmes
International engagement is strongest when local capability is strengthened at the same time.
Economic and commercial pathways
Where aligned with iwi strategy, structured international relationships may open pathways for:
• Trade exploration
• Product market entry
• Cultural enterprise promotion
• Tourism itinerary inclusion
• Investment discussions
Eastern Bridge may facilitate commercial discussions where appropriate.
If commercial activity proceeds, it is governed by separate agreements.
Iwi are not financially liable for third-party business activity.
How relationships are established
International relationships with iwi and hapū typically begin with recognition of intent rather than binding commitments.
The process generally includes:
• Initial kōrero and alignment discussion
• Agreement on scope and priorities
• A non-binding Agreement of Friendship
• A period of engagement and trust building
• Formalisation only if and when both parties see long-term value
This approach aligns with both tikanga and international best practice.
Cost, risk and accountability
Eastern Bridge’s model is designed to remove barriers and minimise risk.
• No management fees
• No advisory fees
• No obligation to participate in programmes
• Optional costs only where iwi elect to engage in specific initiatives
• Transparent discussion of any commercial activity in advance
Risk is managed through:
• Clear written scope
• Agreed reporting cadence
• Iwi oversight
• Non-binding relationship instruments
Eastern Bridge represents iwi interests only within agreed parameters and under iwi direction.
Governance & reporting
Engagement is supported by:
• Written scope of engagement
• Defined reporting frequency (monthly, quarterly, or as agreed)
• Clear accountability arrangements
• Respect for iwi governance structures
Participation remains entirely voluntary and opt-in at each stage.
Downloads (password-protected)
The following resources are available for iwi and hapū partners:
• Sample Agreement of Friendship
• Plain-English explanation of Memoranda of Understanding (non-binding, non-legal)
These documents support understanding and decision-making. They do not impose structure.
How to begin the kōrero
Engagement typically starts with:
• An initial hui or confidential conversation
• Exploration of shared values and aspirations
• Agreement on whether and how to proceed
• Ongoing engagement at a pace set by iwi
There is no obligation to move beyond discussion.
Eastern Bridge exists to de-risk international engagement and ensure iwi lead from a position of strength, clarity, and mana.