Iwi unimpressed with 'new tribe'

An independent statutory board on the new Auckland Council instead of Maori seats has been slammed by Auckland iwi as the Government pushes through its final Super City legislation.

Papers released yesterday by Local Government Minister Rodney Hide outlined the final shape of Maori representation on the Auckland Council.

The board will have nine members, seven drawn from "mana whenua" groups and two "taura here" members - Maori who have tribal affiliations elsewhere and will be elected by board members.

It can appoint people to council committees, particularly those that deal with managing natural and physical resources.

But whether those appointees have voting powers has been passed over to the council to decide.

Other major details to be ironed out include the council and board negotiating just what it will do and the level of service the council will provide.

But that will only happen after the board has identified a schedule of significant matters to mana whenua and Maori.

After the Super City hikoi Tainui leaders said they intended to boycott any advisory boards if Maori seats weren't an option.

Ngati Whatua o Orakei supported that stance at the time. Spokesman Ngarimu Blair said the new option didn't inspire confidence and there was no guarantee the tribe would join the new board.

"Now the decision has come out we have to seriously think about whether we join the new tribe that John Key has made up called Ngati Independent Statutory Board, to be consulted on and probably not listened to on matters affecting mana whenua.

"If they don't have Ngati Whatua at the table then all they'll be left with is RMA [Resource Management Act] bottom feeders drinking cups of tea and eating free lunches."

Whether appointed members would be able to vote on committee councils was concerning, Mr Blair said.

"I seriously doubt they will have voting rights on anything."

Mr Hide did not respond to requests for interviews.

In a statement, Maori Affairs Minister Dr Pita Sharples said Maori would continue to lobby for two seats on the council.

However, the board was "absolutely essential" as it would provide a broad and open channel for their views.

"With or without the two seats, the board will play a vital role in allowing input from mana whenua and Maori interests to be reflected in the council's strategy policies and plans."

INDEPENDENT BOARD

* Nine members (7 from Auckland iwi, 2 with tribal links outside the region).
* The Maori Affairs Minister will also have oversight to ensure that representatives on the board have been mandated by recognised "mana whenua" groups.
* Board can make appointments to sit on Auckland Council committee(s).