Hastings council to decide on M¯aori wards

A recommendation from the Hastings District Council’s Heretaunga Takoto Noa Ma¯ ori standing committee to introduce Ma¯ori wards in 2022 has been backed at a committee meeting.

Waiata drifted through the council building from a strong group of supporters inside the council chambers yesterday.

The committee was established to continue the development of strategic and sustainable relationships with Ma¯ ori.

The council will hold an emergency meeting today to decide whether to commence a public feedback process.

Takoto Noa Ma¯ori standing committee member Mike Paku said it was time ‘‘for our voice to come to the table’’.

‘‘We’re not the decision makers; it is you, council. We need you to step up and be leaders,’’ he said.

‘‘For us, it’s not just about sitting at this table. It’s about recognition and giving respect to the Treaty of Waitangi, to our hapu and our iwi.

‘‘Not just at this table, but throughout the country.’’

Committee chairman Robin Hape said introducing Ma¯ ori wards simply gave Ma¯ ori the opportunity to choose a representative who had the interests of all Ma¯ ori in the district and, acknowledging the current Ma¯ ori leadership at the council table, the opportunity allowed for specific Ma¯ ori representation.

The council’s electoral officer, Jackie Evans, said if the Ma¯ ori standing committee recommended introducing Ma¯ ori wards, the next steps would be for council to seek initial feedback from the community, and then to make a decision before May 21.