Maori Board to get $984,000 in funding

Mayor Len Brown. Photo / Greg Bowker

A compromise deal has been struck to end a funding feud between Auckland Council and its Maori Statutory Board.

The board had hired a barrister to prepare legal action against the council for slashing its two-year budget from $3.4m to $1.9m.

Chairman David Taipari said the funding cut was unlawful, as the council was bound by legislation to meet the "reasonable" costs of the board.

That dispute was resolved in a confidential meeting this afternoon when councillors voted to raise the board's annual funding slightly from $950,000 to $984,000.

As a result, the board will withdraw the High Court action scheduled to start next month.

However, it says funding for the next financial year is yet to be decided.

Councillor Christine Fletcher said this figure seemed appropriate but she opposed it on principle because it was reached behind closed doors.

Councillor Cameron Brewer said the process had been a "complete debacle" and the council's leadership had "let down the public and the board with its empty assurances and u-turns".

"The most alarming factor is that the council and board have to do this all again very soon for the 2011/12 year. Let's not forget that we've only agreed on the interim eight-month 10/11 year and the next full financial year will undoubtedly cost more."

Earlier, Mayor Len Brown narrowly gathered enough votes to stop nine councillors who wanted to debate the council's new negotiating position with the board in public.

Said councillor Cathy Casey: "It is time to speak out, say what you think and own your words."

But Mr Brown, with the backing of his deputy Penny Hulse and nine councillors, defeated a motion by Ms Casey to bring the item on the finance committee agenda into the open.

The mayor said the best way to get a resolution with the Maori Statutory Board was in confidence, which he hoped would be wrapped up in the next day or so to avoid court action.

Mr Brown was not keen on the different views of councillors being heard in public, saying the last time that occurred there was not a lot of progress on the funding plan.

- NZHERALD STAFF