Split decision but yes to Mā ori ward for CHB
Councillors ‘do the right thing’ and vote in favour of wards and advisory role
There were raised voices in the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council chambers last Wednesday. Raised in karakia, raised in passion, sorrow and laughter, raised in a cheer and finally, raised in song.
It was the day the Central Hawke’s Bay District Council voted in favour of introducing Māori wards for the 2025 and 2028 elections. The decision was also made to invite hapū to select up to two representatives for Māori representation in an advisory role.
At the start of the meeting, 18 speakers stood, one by one, to make their submissions. All were all in favour of better democratic representation and a voice at the decisionmaking table for the 25 per cent of people who identify as Māori in Tamatea — Central Hawke’s Bay.
Dianne Smith, chairwoman of Mataweka Marae, spoke acknowledging the work of former Senior Minister Nanaia Mahuta in establishing Māori wards, saying “I urge council today not to let Minister Mahuta’s work be in vain.”
Dianne said Mataweka Marae has a long line of ancestors that whakapapa to the area long before
the first colonial settlers.
“Therefore, we as mana whenua hold a special interest in the progression of Māori wards in Tamatea.
“When upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles and acting as an honourable partner, the answer is blatantly clear. Of course the CHB District Council should accept the establishment of Māori wards, without hesitation. And there are a multitude of reasons for this.
“It is unjust for a majority nonMāori council to decide on a Māori issue. This is continued colonisation at its best.
“This is a Māori ward issue, and only Māori should make the decision on this, not non-Māori. This is our decision to make, not yours. Imagine if you were standing here having to sell to a majority Māori council why you needed representation at the decision-making table, and it was
Māori making that decision on your behalf.
“How would that make you feel? What decision would you want to be made for you?
“Just as you represent your constituents, so should Māori represent their constituents and that decision is ours and only ours to make. Remove the inequitable treatment of Māori and vote yes. It’s that easy.”
Paora Sciascia stood to make his
submission, saying “is this a terrifying experience? You bet your life it is. We don’t know who you are and you have a big influence on our lives. But if you don’t have a leg in you can’t change it. You think you know how Māori function? You don’t. We’re having an attempt here to put some of that around this table. Māori have adifferent midset: The way Māori do