Marking Matariki
Increased cultural awareness is leading to strengthening relationships between Ma¯ori in the south and local authorities.
Despite being a region with a low percentage of Ma¯ori compared to other parts of New Zealand, Ma¯ori leaders in the area are confident they are on the right track when it comes to being heard.
The 2013 census showed just 1.9 per cent of New Zealand’s Ma¯ori live in Southland.
Nga¯i Tahu representative for the Waiho¯pai ru¯nanga Michael Skerrett is satisfied with the current relationship between local agencies and the ru¯nanga (Ma¯ori community) in the region but would like to see things go further.
In recent years, Ma¯ori representation in New Zealand has been under the spotlight, with the idea of compulsory Ma¯ori seats in local government being discussed.
‘‘Overall, we have got a pretty good relationship with the council, better than a lot of other groups in the country, but there is always work to do,’’ Skerrett said.
Invercargill City Council iwi liaison Darren Ludlow believes the relationship with local iwi has improved in recent years but agrees ‘‘it can grow further’’.
‘‘It’s not just a case of them coming to us; we need to go to them too.’’
Ludlow said this is the case for things such as consultations and longterm plans, where the council always try to make sure they communicate with local iwi. ‘‘We certainly place a great value on our local iwi and our relationship,’’ Ludlow said.
Hokonui ru¯nanga kaiwhakahaere (chairperson) Taare Bradshaw was happy with their relationship with local government and said ‘‘their office is always open to us’’.
‘‘They come to us for consultation and we can always console them.’’
Only two councils in the country have compulsory Ma¯ori representation: the Wairoa District Council and the Waikato Regional Council.
The Local Electoral Act 2001 does give councils the ability to establish separate wards for Ma¯ori.
This can be established by the council, or the community, with 5 per cent of electors within the district voting in favour of extra wards.
While it had been discussed for Southland, Skerrett didn’t think representation was just about having ‘‘bums on seats’’, rather, making sure his people had effective leaders, and Nga¯i Tahu had taken leaps and bounds to achieve this. ‘‘We haven’t pushed it as a seat,’’ Skerrett said.
Ludlow agreed with Skerrett and acknowledged how increased cultural awareness has contributed to the need for Ma¯ori voices when making decisions.
A public event acknowledging Matariki (Ma¯ori new year) highlights the cultural diversity of the region with a ‘‘celebration of friendship, collaboration, arts and harvest’’ and will take place in Invercargill on July 7.
Event organiser Kari Graber said she hopes the festival ‘‘breaks down any cultural divide’’.
‘‘As Southland’s cultural diversity grows, it’s important to have events to celebrate this,’’ she said.
Waiho¯pai ru¯nanga will be hosting a breakfast in celebration of Matariki, which is open to members of the public.
‘‘I want people to know there are events like this,’’ Graber said.
‘‘It’s really important to break any barriers.’’