The presentation and video will explore outcomes from a trans-Tasman scoping project funded to build a Cultural Licence to Operate framework that helps to create the ecosystem for an ethical, equitable, dynamic, and responsive system in which negotiations are customised at place. This Indigenous-led study set out to strengthen the guiding tracks and transparency for shifting out from a transactional way to engage with First Nations through “keeping up an appearance” to building and maintaining a relational way of maximising co-benefits.