Te Taumata Runanga is deemed to have the status of a Standing Committee of the Council, and reports to the Council. The Fields of Activity of Te Taumata Runanga are to ensure Maori values are considered in the Council's decision making; ensure that the Council can meet its obligations to the Tangata Whenua; ensure that the Council considers the needs of the Maori community in effective service provision; regularise communication between Maori and the Council and its committees; ensure that the Council is aware of and sensitive to issues of concern to the Tangata Whenua and local Maori people; and to provide the Council with a structure to facilitate input into the Council's decisions that have cultural significance to Maori people.