TRC’s yes to Māori constituency
Taranaki Regional Council has become the third local government body in the province to establish a Māori constituency for the 2022 local body elections – but what form it will take has yet to be decided.
The historic decision, following in the steps of New Plymouth and South Taranaki districts, was approved by councillors 9-2 yesterday. They heard 22 submissions, out of 383 sent in during more than two weeks of public consultation. More than half of respondents – 55 per cent – said they were in favour.
The gallery at the back of the council chamber in Stratford remained largely quiet and respectful of submitters, a contrast to the emotional atmosphere when New Plymouth District Council (NPDC) considered the same decision.
Submitters included New Plymouth district councillor Dinnie Moeahu, who is only the second Ma¯ ori elected to NPDC in almost a century.
‘‘We’ve had roughly about 80 Ma¯ ori stand,’’ Moeahu said.
‘‘I had to cross a barrier so people could see past my ethnicity and see my humanity.’’
Ma¯ tua Peter Moeahu, who had also strongly advocated for NPDC to establish a ward, said there needed to be a voice at the final decision-making table, not just on sub-committees.
‘‘It is not a grab for power, but sharing power.
‘‘This is not an attack on democracy; it’s an enhancement of democracy.’’
But Mike Butler, on behalf of lobby group Hobson’s Pledge, said evidence showed a lot of people did not like the idea.
‘‘When you look at the people who are pushing the Māori wards or Ma¯ori constituency, it’s a
relatively small group,’’ Butler said.
Mātua Grant Knuckey took exception to some comments made during submissions. ‘‘I certainly haven’t come here to be insulted by these white racists, these people who seem to think that New Zealand belongs to them now.’’
But Knuckey said he did not support the proposal because he did not yet know what form it would .
Kevin Moratti, who had been part of a petition to force NPDC to hold a referendum until the Government stepped in to stop the process, said the majority of people did not want division based on race. ‘‘We’re continuing to be told we’re racists for wanting all citizens treated equally.’’
New Plymouth district councillor Murray Chong called for the Taranaki Regional Council to hold a referendum. Chair David MacLeod was in favour of the proposal, but said while people had pointed out he was the Māori member of the council, he did not represent te ao Ma¯ ori (Māori world view).
‘‘I know that this is not perfect, but I truly believe, if we said no, that’s not status quo – that is a step backwards. I think we will dramatically affect our relationship with Ma¯ ori.’’
The council agreed 9-2 to establish a ward, with Neil Walker and Donald McIntyre voting no.
Walker had said he agreed with Ma¯ ori representation, but the system was not right. McIntyre had said the process felt rushed.
The next step involves a representation review to work out what the structure will be, corporate services director Mike Nield said.