It’s ‘no’ to Maori wards - this time

‘‘I know I want my whole community to come with me, I don't want division.’’

Matamata-Piako is following other councils opting not to establish Ma¯ori wards for the 2019 local government election.

Waikato and Bay of Plenty regional councils have Ma¯ori wards and Wairoa District Council in Hawke’s Bay is looking to set up Ma¯ori wards.

But Waipa, Waikato district councils and Hamilton city council also voted against setting up Ma¯ori seats.

Matamata-Piako District Council has followed and decided to report on other options to engage Ma¯ori and review the situation in three years.

There was a concern establishing Ma¯ori seats could divide the community.

The option of having a Ma¯ori ward was developed to enhance the role and perspective of Ma¯ori in local government.

Ma¯ori representation was discussed by the Te Manawhenua Forum with the majority of members in support of a Ma¯ori ward.

‘‘The majority said they would like to test the waters,’’ said Matamata-Piako Mayor Jan Barnes.

Ma¯ori wards can be established by the council, or by poll, initiated by the council or electors.

A poll must be demanded by 5 per cent of the electors which was about 1200 people for the Matamata-Piako district.

A poll would cost the council $34,000.

The Ma¯ori electoral population was 3900, of a total 34,200 people across the district.

Barnes believed if a poll was run now, it would be unlikely the result would be in favour, which was the case in many other councils around the country.

Where councils have proposed them, they have been overturned through the binding referendum poll process.

If a poll does not gain enough support, it cannot be re-addresed for six years - two elections.

Barnes said a Ma¯ori ward must be done in the right way, without causing ‘‘division’’.

‘‘We want everyone to be comfortable in going forward, that is where council landed.

‘‘I know I want my whole community to come with me, I don’t want division. What could a poll mean? It could mean division.’’

Barnes said council is engaging with each of the iwi on individual agreements and is reviewing the Heads of Agreement on Te Manawhenua Forum.

‘‘Quite a few of the iwi are still negotiating with the crown and are not post Treaty settlement,’’ she said.

‘‘We felt there were other ways to involve iwi indecision making and staff have been asked to report back on these options.

‘‘They will be in a better position in three years and we can review it for the 2022 elections.’’