Kaumatua role to be considered

THE Dunedin City Council may establish a kaumatua (Maori elder) role among its staff.

The initiative was mentioned during discussions on the council’s partnerships with iwi yesterday

Ngai Tahu indicated at recent 10year plan hearings it wanted to play a significant role in the cultural and financial future of Dunedin, including spending some of its ‘‘big purse’’ on projects within the city.

A report to the council on partnership with iwi said a review of its Maori Participation Working Party’s terms of reference was under way, and would be finished in October.

The working party was formed in 2003.

Discussion with iwi had also sparked the development of an action plan to ‘‘drive forward key activities’’.

The report said the idea of a kaumatua had been discussed.

Other local authorities and public sector organisations such as universities and district health boards had such a position, including the University of Otago, Otago Polytechnic and the Southern District Health board.

Council governance and strategy general manager Sandy Graham said the council had a budget for a staff member in the area.

Cr Christine Garey said the time had come for the council to value relationships with iwi more.

Cr Aaron Hawkins said the council should be proud, rather than reticent, about the relationship.

A report providing a highlevel assessment of the carbon impact of initiatives in the Dunedin City Council’s 10year plan was approved yesterday.

The council voted to note the report that considers the scale of potential emission reductions that could be achieved if carbon reduction was a key requirement of council projects.

The report said there was an opportunity to significantly reduce overall emissions, particularly from the transport and waste areas.