Ma¯ori ward gets nod from council How they voted
Applause erupted in council chambers as Matamata-Piako District Council voted to establish a Ma¯ ori ward for the 2022 and 2025 local government elections.
Handshakes, hugs and words of praise were shared between councillors and the public gallery after a lengthy debate on whether council should go out for its third set of public consultation before making their final decision.
While some councillors agreed consultation was essential, it was moved by Deputy Mayor Neil Goodger that council would not undertake consultation with the wider community, despite a potentially controversial move.
The 10 to one vote split came after the Government introduced legislation upholding council decisions to create Ma¯ ori wards and remove the ability of public polls triggered by petitions to overturn such moves.
It will remain in force for six years and remains until a further resolution takes effect.
Te Aroha Councillor Russell Smith, who abstained in this week’s vote, said because he was unable to go out for consultation and follow what the people in Te Aroha want, he was unable to vote either way.
‘‘I was told to be strong, show my kia kaha,’’ he said.
‘‘By not going out for consultation, we’re not being transparent, consultation is important to me.
‘‘To my fellow councillors, congratulations for being strong and sticking to your beliefs on a landmark decision.’’
Morrinsville councillor Bruce Dewhurst had a similar view: ‘‘whether we take any notice of the rednecks or not, but if you don’t give them the opportunity to have a b .... session then you’re just opening yourself up for criticism.’’
Council is not required to consult with the community, but a decision must be made by May 21.
District Mayor Ash Tanner said council knows not going out for consultation would be unpopular, but the public isn’t directly affected by it.
‘‘What’s fundamentally going to change for them?’’ Tanner asked.
Goodger agreed, saying it comes down to everybody making their own personal calls, which are controversial and likely to have an impact on council.
‘‘We’ve seen that go both ways in the last months – with Hamilton City Council going one way and then their reputation bouncing back the other – and with
To establish Ma¯ ori wards for the 2022-25 triennium:
■ For: Mayor Ash Tanner, Deputy Mayor Neil Goodger and councillors Kevin Tappin, James Sainsbury, Sue Whiting, Adrienne Wilcock, Donna Arnold, Bruce Dewhurst, James Thomas, and Caitlin Casey.
■ Abstained: Councillor Russell Smith.
■ Absent: Councillor Teena Cornes.
O¯ torohanga [District Council] standing up and not cop anything,’’ Goodger said.
‘‘We already know the community views and preferences, do we choose to know them again?’’
He was aware the decision could result in a backlash, as experienced with the Hamilton City Council in early April.
The city council faced backlash after its initial vote was not in favour of establishing a ward in time for the 2022 elections. Days later the council revoked the decision as the debate threatened to fracture the council and councillors opted for public consultation.
The Matamata-Piako District Council is required to undertake a representation review every six years. In 2012, with 71 respondents, 70 per cent said no to Ma¯ ori wards and in 2017, 80 per cent of the 423 respondents believed the council’s representation system fairly reflected the community.
No further consultation has been done.
As of 2020, Ma¯ ori made up 4130 of the 32,200 general election population.
Council took guidance from Te Manawhenua Forum, which unanimously supported establishing Ma¯ ori wards for the 2022 elections.
Chairwoman Te Ao Marama Maaka said it’s been on the Nga¯ ti Haua¯ agenda for years.
Lisa Gardiner, chief executive of the Nga¯ ti Haua¯ Iwi Trust, wanted one thing.
‘‘We want Matamata-Piako to be a vibrant and prosperous place where decision-making is fair and inclusive, and where our tamariki and mokopuna can see themselves reflected in all leadership structures including the Matamata Piako District Council.’’
Other councils have sought to establish Ma¯ ori wards in the past. Only two were successful after others had their decision overturned following a binding poll.
The number of Ma¯ ori seats on council will be determined by a representation review later this year, which will look at how the whole district is represented, however, the decision to have a Ma¯ ori ward will not be able to be overturned as part of that process.