Proud to be standing for Ma¯ ori ward
‘Input from Ma¯ ori is vital’ in our district says born-and-bred Horowhenua hopeful
Levin local Nina Hori Te Pa (Muau¯poko, Nga¯ti Raukawa, Nga¯ti Huia ki Matau, Nga¯ti Tu¯ korehe) is standing in the 2022 local body elections for councillor in the new Horowhenua (Ma¯ ori) ward.
“I am excited to be standing for councillor in the Horowhenua Ma¯ori ward.
“The council’s resolution to establish a Ma¯ ori ward in Horowhenua last year presents a unique opportunity for Ma¯ori-specific representation in our rohe.
“I want to listen, and to work hard to represent and be the voice for our people.
“Levin has been my home for all my life.
“I feel strongly about the Horowhenua as my tu¯ rangawaewae, being proudly Muau¯poko from my father Mario, and Nga¯ti Huia ki Matau and Nga¯ti Tu¯korehe from my mother Helen,” she says.
“And I am proud to have been raised, and to raise my children and grandchildren, in this beautiful community, and to have contributed to that community over the years.
“My two key motivations are land and people: wha¯nau me te whenua, ta¯ngata me te taiao.
“These are what I see as the foundations of all issues of concern for Ma¯ori people today.
“They encompass community wellbeing, infrastructure and housing, the economy and business growth, and of course concerns about the development and protection of our whenua.
“The inaugural election for the Horowhenua Ma¯ori ward is a significant moment in our district’s history,” Nina says.
“It would be an honour and a privilege to serve as one of our first Ma¯ori ward councillors.
“Our district is growing and input from Ma¯ori is vital. We all need to be part of the plan and feel confident that our voices are being heard and represented.
“If elected to council I will apply my significant governance, work and life experience for strategic and considered decision-making, in the best interests of Ma¯ori and the Horowhenua District.”