Challenges with Mā ori ward changes
The recent decision by central government to change the way Mā ori wards are established puts council in a difficult position. The change will require councils who establish a Mā ori ward without a referendum to conduct a binding poll at the next election unless they rescind their decision.
As many will know, we are currently in the middle of a representation review to establish a Mā ori ward and how it would fit into our representation arrangements.
Changing the decision to discontinue the work to establish the new position will be difficult until the legislation is passed. Carrying on the work will mean that we have a new Mā ori ward councillor being elected at the same time as we hold a poll on whether to continue having the position in 2028 and beyond. We would then need to have another representation review during the next term. We’re not the only council in the country in this position.
When the coalition agreement signalled this change was coming last year, we wrote to the minister outlining our concerns and asking for clarity. With other 100 day priorities coming before this, we haven’t had that clarity until now.
Central government (not just this one, but all administrations) need to work more closely with local government, and adjust their priorities and policies in consultation with us. This would allow policies which align to local priorities, and save ratepayer and taxpayer dollars doing the things which are important to us, like allowing for growth with quality infrastructure.
One of these pieces of infrastructure, which will provide resilience and cater for a growing town, is the new Ō taki Reservoir under construction in Ō taki. The project was part funded by the Government’s Infrastructure Acceleration Fund.
Students from Waitohu School visited the site recently, as part of a programme for two Year 4 classes to learn about the reservoir and its role in the water system.
At the site visit, the students carried out an activity to see how big the reservoir will be. They also checked out equipment and peered into the trenches where the pipes are buried. The students will be back in a couple of months to help plant some of the 2500 native trees that will surround the tank.
The project is on track to be finished later this year and come on stream in early 2025.