The CHB District Council voted 5-4 on Thursday to reaffirm its decision to introduce Māori seats.
The debate amongst Councillors mirrored the clear differences of opinion amongst the public at large – an un-needed over-reach violating democratic principles versus an overdue step to establish political equity and authentic integration into, as Mayor Walker noted, our Pākehā-designed local government system.
“The decision around Māori Wards speaks to who we are, speaks to who our people are, and speaks to who Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay is as a community,” said Mayor Walker. “I am proud of our decision. It is clear we need Mana Whenua to support the system to make this a community that thrives.”
Voting for reaffirming Māori seats were Councillors Kelly Annand, Kate Taylor, Exham Wichman, Pip Burne and Mayor Alex Walker. Voting against were Councillors Jerry Greer, Tim Aitken, Gerard Minehan and Brent Muggeridge.
The CHBDC debate – which probably more honestly reflected the division today in the wider Hawke’s Bay community – was in contrast to the unanimous support for Māori seats expressed by HDC and HBRC Councillors at what were essentially celebratory sessions.
The Napier City Council affirmed its commitment to Māori seats, with one abstention recorded by Councillor Nigel Simpson and Councillor Richard McGrath inexcusably absent. As with her HDC and CHB peers, Mayor Kirsten Wise in particular was passionate in her statement of support and most Napier Councillors followed suit.
In a post-vote media release she said: “Having Māori ward councillors in Napier will bring a stronger bi-cultural perspective to our planning and decision making and will reinforce our commitment to work in partnership.”
However the analysis of NCC’s recent consultation showed the degree of division in the Napier community — among non-Māori, less than half (41%) supported Council reaffirming its decision to establish Māori wards.
Our elected leaders in Hawke’s Bay would appear to be out ahead of their pākehā constituents. The task of actually securing Māori seats has now officially begun!
I note the names of those Councillors who purport to represent their Wards, but who fail to stand up & Vote! There is simply no room for such lukewarm attitudes about the real issues, especially not in today’s world that is desperate for strong leadership, based upon healthy debate, followed by decisive ACTION!!
They say.the proof of the pudding is in the eating!
The same can be said about
Only after all the eligible voters have cast their votes in the “public referendum”!
Will the true result, be known.
This exactly the sort of issue that there should never be a referendum about.