Thumbs up for stance
Thumbs up to the Taupo¯ & Tu¯rangi Weekender editorial “Ma¯ori wards are only fair”, (December 3, 2020).
I found Laurilee McMichael’s editorial on the Taupo¯ District Council Ma¯ori wards vote both surprising and refreshing. Surprising because editorials from the media in general have been racially biased, or more precisely anti-Ma¯ori, as evidenced last week by Stuff’s repentance of their racial bias for the past 160 years and commitment to a more balanced and truthful approach to journalism from now on.
Well done Weekender for moving in the same direction, knowing full well you will probably get your fair share of criticism, as will the councillors.
I agree that “Ma¯ori Wards are only fair”, and your contention that “the Treaty of Waitangi requires us to give effect to the notion of partnership, and without adequate representation . . . there can be no partnership”.
Ma¯ori have seen the Treaty as an enduring spiritual covenant for 180 years with the promise of equal partnership and self-determination. Clearly these Treaty ideals and principles, as well as promises made, have not been lived up to, to the detriment of Ma¯ori. Ma¯ori wards are a step in the right direction. They will help correct the imbalance in the democratic process, establish an authentic and independent Ma¯ori voice on council, and hopefully build genuine partnership while bringing our community closer together.
Perhaps my greatest surprise was the vote from our councillors who I understand are predominantly nonMa¯ori. Well done council — you’re doing the job we voted you in to do! This could not have been easy, knowing full well there could be some vocal and powerful opposition to greater Ma¯ori participation in local government affairs. You have obviously done your due diligence on behalf of our district and believe this to be the best way forward for our community. That is precisely what the democratic process should be achieving. In the same way New Zealand introduced MMP to achieve a greater variety of voices in Parliament, and have committed to Ma¯ori seats to achieve greater participation by Ma¯ori in the democratic process at a national level, so too will Ma¯ori wards at a local level. They will not undermine our democratic process at council level, I believe they will enhance it.
It would sadden but not surprise me if a public poll is championed on the matter of Ma¯ori wards to try and overturn council’s decision. Whether this happens or not, it’s thumbs up to our council’s stand to try and improve Ma¯ori participation in community affairs, and to Laurilee for her thoughtful editorial in support of council’s vote.
Robert Kereopa (abridged)