MEDIA STATEMENT

Dr Pita Sharples

Maori Party MP for Tamaki Makaurau

10 October 2010

Sharples Welcomes New Mayor For Auckland

Tamaki Makaurau MP Dr Pita Sharples says a clear result in the Auckland City mayoral race will be good for the city.

“The new mayor has a clear mandate from the people, which will be important for him as he establishes a unified super-city across a very big region,” Dr Sharples said.

“In a leadership role like that, it is important that minority groups do not feel disenfranchised by the election process, and that everybody has a say in the decisions of the council.

“The election result suggests that Len Brown is seen to have a more inclusive approach, which is what the new council will need in the months and years ahead.

“I congratulate Len Brown, and offer him my support as a local MP in working for the interests of all Aucklanders.

“I also congratulate outgoing Mayor John Banks for his grace in defeat, and for pledging his support for the new mayor. That in itself is a sign of statesmanship.

“The new council seems to represent diverse interests across the political spectrum, and I hope all councillors are able to work constructively for the city, despite their inevitable disagreements.

“I will be specially interested in how the council works alongside the Maori statutory board, which has been set up independently of the council to represent mana whenua and taura here as the council’s Treaty partner.

“I made no secret of my disappointment that the government did not support dedicated Maori seats on the council, and the iwi of Auckland have said that matter is not closed. However if the statutory board operates the way that is intended, it will mean at least the council is making informed decisions on matters of huge importance to tangata whenua, and the many Maori who have made the Auckland district their home,” Dr Sharples said.

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