Flawed idea

It is with interest that I have read recent Stuff articles regarding the decision of the Ma¯ nawatu District Council to introduce a Ma¯ ori Ward at the next triennial local body elections. I am perplexed that council would make this decision without consulting electors in what is a significant change to the current electoral system. I recall that many of our elected councillors campaigned on open communication and transparency which appears to have been conveniently overlooked in this instance. Much of the rhetoric in the media seems ill informed and emotive. Most people understand and support the Crown’s obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi. But it is the Crown that has settlement obligations, not the council. To suggest that the

establishment of a Ma¯ ori Ward would help council uphold its obligations under the treaty seems disingenuous at best. Nga¯ Manu Taiko were not even in harmony on this issue. This alone is good reason for council to have elected to undertake a poll of electors so that the integrity of democracy can be maintained. Our community consists of many ethnicities and councillors must represent the best interests of the entire community. Accordingly, a Ma¯ ori Ward representative would be obliged to represent the wider community regardless, thus the argument that Ma¯ ori should represent Ma¯ ori in the community is both flawed and patronising. There is no place for separatism in our community, a healthy community is where all people interact in harmony regardless of ethnicity and cultural differences. I urge people to sign the petition for a poll. That way the community can have its say, democracy will be served and everyone can live with the final result.

Grant Hadfield

Feilding