Chance For Vision And Leadership Missed with Maori Seats Decision Says Ngati Whatua o Orakei

The moment for decisive and visionary leadership has been missed with yesterday’s Cabinet decision not to include any Maori seats on the proposed Auckland Super City Council, says Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board Chairman Grant Hawke.

Mr Hawke says Ngati Whatua o Orakei is deeply disappointed by the outcome of the Cabinet decision.

But he says Ngati Whatua knows how to fight the long fight.

“We have been at the coalface of positive social change for a long time and keep getting stronger and stronger. We might lose the odd battle but we sense that Maori seats are inevitable.

“I am sure my ancestor Apihai Te Kawau, who gifted the land on which Auckland now sits to the Crown, did not intend for us to be on the sidelines, outside the tent in the cold for ever and a day.”

He says the decision is hardly the action of a Crown imagining a different post-settlement reality than what we have now.

“It is backward looking. It just entrenches Auckland as it was and does not recognise Auckland as it is now and definitely as Auckland will be in the future.”

Mr Hawke says it is widely recognised that Maori have always been severely under-represented on Auckland’s councils.

“So there needs to be enquiry into how our democratic system can address the need for greater representation and at the same time look into why middle class Pakeha are over-represented on these councils.

“Our prediction is this new council will not reflect the cultural diversity of our city.”

He says it’s time to bring balance to the equation.

“We have been heartened by the support Aucklanders have expressed for Maori seats. These are people who clearly see that imbalance as unsustainable.”

Mr Hawke says Ngati Whatua’s focus has always been on the shape of the future of our city.

“Our vision is for a richly diverse Pacific city where we capture the strengths of all cultures; where Auckland is a model for how good governance is inclusive governance.”

Mr Hawke says he is grateful for the efforts of Dr Pita Sharples in articulating Ngati Whatua o Orakei’s position in Parliament.

“We also appreciate the time Prime Minister Key has given to us and this issue.”

Looking forward, Mr Hawke says meetings are in progress and a strategy to respond is being developed.

“We support Tainui’s stance to boycott participating in any proposed advisory boards.

ENDS

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