Separatist wards

Regarding the comments in the editorial ‘Ma¯ori wards are only fair’ ( Taupo¯ & Tu¯rangi Weekender, December 3).

“No partnership without representation’’. Ma¯ori only pay 6 per cent of council rates and they have rates remission policies for non-income land. A separate interest group shouldn’t replace two independent councillors — why not have wards for farmers, Grey Power, property owners, big businesses, DOC etc? Or the next largest ethnic group — Asians?

“Ma¯ori don’t vote’’. There’s no barrier to voting.

“Undiverse council’’. We need the best people for the job, not tokenism.

“A council should represent its people’’. Yes, not separate interest groups. Separatist wards are a slight on councillors not being inclusive and independent (when council say communication is already good), council didn’t ask ratepayers, and seven out of 10 polls are 80 per cent against Ma¯ori wards.

Add to that, the socialist PC government bureaucratic recommendations are trying to be nice to everyone, the imperfect Treaty issues can be resolved by better means, Councillor Christine Rankin states opposition from health board experience, there is no evidence to show appointment of ward councillors works, apartheid is not the way and Tu¯wharetoa have previously voted against it, saying they wanted to be treated equally.

While we have made great strides forward in our multicultural society, this is in my opinion a backwards step.

Please sign the petition for a poll and let the people decide.