The year is winding up, but there is still business on the table that needs attention and focus.
One of the most significant for the country as a whole is making submissions to the Treaty Principles Bill. The deadline for these is 7 January. So, while most of us are off-line over Christmas and New Year there will be people who are preparing their response to this important and divisive proposed legislation.
We at Napier City Council submitted against the Bill in mid-December. Although it’s a small act alongside the substantial rallying across the country, making a submission as a council clearly states our collective viewpoint.
More often council is on the other side of the submissions process. Our decisions are regularly informed by submissions made to us by the public, organisations and businesses. The process is one of a range of democratic tools that can help impact or effect changes to the place we live, and potentially to the lives of the people based here.
Submissions also voice publicly a stance. In this case, ours has been met with support by mana whenua groups we work with closely and often. Their encouragement has amplified our views and solidified our position.
Our relationship with mana whenua enhances our effectiveness as governors. It is a relationship shaped by what is set out in the Treaty of Waitangi. It is built on respect. Each task shared and every interaction strengthens our commitment to each other. It is a relationship both parties work hard to actively nurture and reinforce through working together. Every activity we carry out collectively bolsters those principles and what they mean to us. Through our actions we bring the Treaty to life.
The coalition government, without rigorous consultation, seeks to redefine the meaning of the Treaty’s principles, thereby rewriting the Treaty itself. By setting a short time frame for consultation, and particularly during what we all know to be the ‘silly season’, the government is not inviting authentic, honest, considered feedback. Instead, it is wielding its power irresponsibly. The only good thing in all of this is that it elevates the subject in the public consciousness.
Making a submission is a tiny but important act. It puts a stake in the ground and voices an opinion. It’s an integral part of the democratic process but it can feel insignificant and too small an action to have any effect. I encourage everyone though to share their views on the things that affect our country, our city, the people and places we care about, the future we imagine for ourselves and our families.
During 2025 there will be many and varied topics that need your attention. Some are local, others national. Be part of the democratic process, at whatever level you feel able, and add your voice to the conversation.
Political activism is not the purview of local government. Yet another example of poor resource management. Its the same ratepayer-abuse as time wasted on prayer meetings where no attempt at outcome-measurement is made.
I’m a little concerned that the council has made a submission on this bill.
Mainly because they represent all of the citizens and we were not polled on this. I’m sure there are varying views on this subject and perhaps the NCC submission might not represent the majority view so could be misrepresentation.
I have no problem with local government making a submission on this matter. Perhaps they all should as well as the rest of us. The Treaty was signed and within a matter of weeks the settlers and government broke the terms and the New Zealand wars commenced with Maori being relocated, their thriving businesses destroyed, women and children were massacred as Gov Grey broke every part of the Treaty for his advantage. We have little to be proud of until recent times when some of the grievances have been rectified to a degree. This Bill harks back to the same attitude of Gov. Grey – Seymour seems to be the reincarnation of the Treaty breakers of long ago. Stop destroying race relations in NZ!
Sax Dearing and Valerie offer realistic and sound views, as our city, district and regional councils are responsible for making decisions about local or regional activity. It is not their role to get into political issues in a central government environment. It’s about community at the local level and reflecting the “local” views which, for the Treaty Principles Bill, I don’t recall the Council having identified what the community feels about the Bill.
Totally agree Ken
Really, totally NOTHING to do with Local Government. Just do what you were voted in for. Yes Wise the basics of running our city. Stop ALL vanity waste of our precious rates. By the way there has been a change of Government. The new Minister Simeon Brown is giving the Local government act a major overhaul. Removal of the Mahuta. Everyone is equal but Maori are more equal. So get back to basics
I hope that it has been a good year for you, the treaty of Waitangi does need to be addressed, both parties sitting down talking together openly discussing it and working out how can it be relevant today.
I support the collective voice from local government, and just to remind people that it is the local government’s responsibility to get into political issues when those issues ultimately impact and affect their / our local communities. My response to the comments by Valerie and Sax Dearing, “ratepayer abuse” that in itself sounds like a racist comment! Maori are ratepayers too, descendants from those who signed and were betrayed by the Treaty are ratepayers, Kiwis recognise and sympathize with the injustice that was perpetrated. The Treaty of Waitangi, which was signed in 1840 between the British Crown and Māori chiefs in New Zealand, is a political document. It established a framework for the relationship between the Crown and Māori, with implications for governance, land rights, and citizenship. The Treaty has been a central point in political discussions, especially in terms of how its principles are interpreted and applied in contemporary New Zealand law and politics. It continues to influence political decisions and policies related to Māori rights, land settlements, and cultural matters. This was a historic breach of contract and a betrayal of the Maori people. This is now every Kiwi’s responsibility to stand on the right side of justice and not to split hairs about ratepayers and resources. Our ‘tax’ resources are already being used by the coalition government to fast-track the process so we can’t have a voice or (have time to poll) but we do have people like Kirsten Wise and our local council who put the people first otherwise it’s 1840 on a different day.
I think most lands on Earth have been stolen at some point.
Look at the worlds land over the centuries how many were invaded many times over that’s “history”.
New Zealand was stolen from the birds that lived here before human’s, but this seems not to be counted.
I think you should hand your house and belongings directly to a Maori any one will do…. to appease the pain I can read in your words.
I think you missed large chunks of NZs history out to fair.
Thank you Kirsten and Napier City Councillors for taking a strong stand on this odious bill. Strong leadership and a clear message that the contents of this bill are completely out of step. Te Tiriti o Waitangi was a contract signed between the Crown and Rangatira. Any renegotiation should begin between those two parties, not the random thoughts of a the leader of a minor political party that was supported by less the 10% of voters. Anything that effects the relationships between local government and iwi is the business of our elected representatives and I for one am impressed by the stand taken by our local leaders. It’s an ideal time for all of us to brush up on our history and be better informed on what Te Tiriti/The Treaty, was all about.
Read the room Kirsten……
I think that most lands on earth have been stolen at some point. Look at the Worlds lands over the centuries how many were invaded many times over. New Zealand was stolen from the birds that lived here before human’s but this seems not to be counted.