Debate on Maori representation 'overdue'

Sir Toby Curtis

Sir Toby Curtis and Te Arawa Standing Committee members say a serious debate about better Maori representation on council is long overdue.

In Saturday's Rotorua Daily Post it was revealed the Rotorua District Council was proposing a new Te Arawa board be introduced, which could give the iwi a greater voice on council and in its decision-making processes.

The proposal suggests a new Te Arawa board be established that would consist of eight members - six of those would be appointed by a Te Arawa-mandated entity and two appointed during a Te Arawa hui-a-iwi (tribal meeting).

It would also allow for board members to sit on council committees, be part of Resource Management Act decisions and establish its own sub-committees.

Te Arawa kaumatua Sir Toby said the iwi had been talking about how the old Te Arawa Standing Committee could be more effective and how it could serve the entire community, "not just Maori or Te Arawa, but everyone".

"The way we have done things for the last 170-180 years may not be the best way to do things in the future.

"Maori are going from strength to strength and we must think differently as we progress into the future and how everyone is able to take part in a way that is meaningful, constructive and good for the whole community."

Sir Toby said he was in favour of the proposal, but it had yet to be presented to the wider Te Arawa iwi.

"It's good that people know about this, yes there will be those who don't like it and there will be high emotions.

"But, we do need to start thrashing out what we really need in the way of governance at the council that is different from the things that are happening right now," he said.

Te Arawa Standing Committee member Potaua Biasiny-Tule said it remained important for Te Arawa to stay engaged with the council.

"We have a fresh opportunity to re-purpose our current committee and for council to be genuine when it talks about partnership and collaboration.

"I still would prefer hapu to have more say in the composition and fear that young independent Te Arawa voices will be lost when appointments are made.

"All the same, the council and our city needs to address the historical amnesia about the Te Arawa sacrifice and contribution to our city - we want to create an enduring legacy that everyone understands and respects.

"Right now, that ain't happening," he said.

Standing Committee member Rene Mitchell said a lot of good work had gone into the proposal and meetings with Te Arawa stakeholder groups and a hui-a-iwi would be held in the coming weeks.

"We like the model, it proposes a much better partnership - and it's about time.

"Councils and mayors come and go, but we Te Arawa will always be here," she said.

"Most of our stakeholders know what we are doing.

"It's an opportunity to move forward and develop a better future for everyone."