Desire to work with Ma¯ori survives ‘no’ vote

Palmerston North residents told the city council they did not want guaranteed Ma¯ ori seats at the council table. But the council is still searching for ideas on other ways to increase Ma¯ ori representation and involvement in decision-making. Nearly 70 per cent of voters said ‘‘no’’ to the creation of a Ma¯ori ward or wards in a binding poll in May. The council is now asking for views on how to include Ma¯ ori more in council business as part of its review of representation arrangements for elections in 2019 and 2022. Nga¯ ti Hineaute representative Chris Whaiapu said the council was already making strides in improving its relationship with iwi. Part of that engagement was driven by legal requirements but he said iwi were happy with the way things were working. ‘‘Discussions at that level, five or 10 years ago, were fairly non-existent. It has improved but it absolutely can get better, depending on what you think partnership looks like.’’ He was pleased the council was looking for other ways to encourage Ma¯ ori participation. Frontman for the campaign against Ma¯ ori wards Don Esslemont remained firmly opposed to the council making special arrangements for any group based on race. ‘‘I would welcome Ma¯ ori or Chinese or Indian or even Eskimo councillors but making wards that mean the way you are treated or the rights you have depend on whether you have ancestors of a particular race is outrageous.’’ Esslemont said councillors were out of touch with the majority view if they still wanted to extend special rights to Ma¯ori to ensure their opinions were heard. ‘‘That seems absurd. They should attend to the opinions of all our citizens.’’ City councillor Aleisha Rutherford, who also led a coalition promoting Ma¯ori wards, said the council was exploring ways to better include Ma¯ ori views, such as setting up an advisory committee. She said it made sense to ask people their thoughts about how to increase Ma¯ori participation in local government as part of its early consultation about the size of the council and whether to have wards or community boards. ‘‘The Ma¯ori ward issue has been decided. But it’s a good opportunity to ask our community about this.’’