Media Release
4 September 2099

Maori representation is a must for Auckland governance

The Anglican Church in Auckland is calling on the Government to ensure direct Maori representation in structures for Auckland governance, otherwise law and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi are being ignored.

The Bishop of Auckland, The Right Reverend John Paterson has told the Diocesan Synod, currently meeting in Holy Trinity Cathedral, ‘The role of the Church is to transform unjust structures of society and in my view we are currently observing the creation of one such structure.’

The Diocesan Synod is the governing body of the Auckland Diocese and meets annually. The Bishop’s view on the need for Maori representation in Auckland governance was endorsed by the Synod and greeted with acclamation.

Bishop Paterson referred to the Local Government Act 2002 which identifies the Crown as a partner to the Treaty of Waitangi with obligations to Maori. But local authorities also have responsibilities in order to ‘recognise and respect the Crown’s responsibility to take appropriate account of the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi…’

Specifically, the Local Government Act 2002 requires local authorities to

* ensure they provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to decision-making processes (Section 14 (1) (d)

* establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Maori to contribute to decision making processes (Section 81(1) (a)

* consider ways in which they can foster the development of Maori capacity to contribute to decision-making processes (Section 81 (1) (b)

* provide relevant information to Maori (Section 81 (1) [c]

* where an option involves a significant decision in relation to land or a body of water, take into account the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water, sites, wahi tapu, valued flora and fauna, and other taonga. (Section 77(1) (c).

Bishop Paterson says, “In legislation there is precedent and provision for Maori representation, and in my view the same should most certainly apply to the new 'Super City' Auckland Council. Our democracy should be inclusive. We are not simply all New Zealanders. We are one nation, made up of a number of differing peoples. One of the keys to a successful future for this region of the nation lies in its ability to be inclusive of all its citizens, and not in supposing that the majority will always know what is best for the minority groups.”

ENDS

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