News Release
For immediate release
May 8, 2009

Hikoi Just The Beginning Say Maori Leaders

Comments by National MP Tau Henare that Maori seats in the Auckland Super City would be undemocratic are being challenged by Ngati Whatua o Orakei Maori Trust Board chairman Grant Hawke.

He says if one was to consider democratic processes being overridden then one should look at how a democratically elected government set up a Royal Commission to listen to the people about what they wanted and then a Government ignored the findings of that commission.

“Is that democracy in action? I don’t think so,” says Mr Hawke.

Instead they opted for a quick and ill thought out fix that if put in place will create a time bomb of discontent, he says.

“When you break down who is going to get a voice it is not going to be Maori, it is not going to be those with limited or average means, it is not going to be the Pacific communities. It is not going to be the vast majority of Aucklanders.

“With respect, to Mr Henare he should be looking closely at how his people can advance within the context of New Zealand society rather than being used as a sacrificial foil for the party line.”

Mr Hawke and other iwi and urban Maori leaders met yesterday to advance planning for the campaign to demonstrate discontent with the proposed Super City representation.

He says that campaign is not about a hikoi as Mr Henare is suggesting, rather it is a planned programme of activity that will take place over years if necessary or until there are changes to the Super City as it is now proposed.

“We invite anyone who wants representation to be more carefully thought out to join our hikoi. But be clear that the hikoi is to signal the beginning of long period of sustained activity. It is not just a single point of protest. It may be a big hikoi, it may be small. What matters is that we are saying that action begins.”

Hawke says in an ideal world Maori leaders will be able to negotiate with the Government before a hikoi or any other activity.

“We don’t believe Aucklanders are against Maori seats.”

END

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