Huge turn-out for contenders (+video)

Iwi members listened to Te Arawa Partnership Board candidates at a meet the candidates hui yesterday. Photo / Ben Fraser

Members of Te Arawa were able to hear candidates in the running to be part of the Te Arawa Partnership Board for the first time.

It was the first of two meetings in which iwi members were able to hear from the 25 people who have been nominated for the 14 seats on the board, after Rotorua Lakes Council decided in May to have iwi representation on the council.

Te Arawa Partnership working party member and former Te Arawa Standing Committee member Waereti Tait-Rolleston said the calibre of the candidates who spoke at the Te Papaiouru Marae hui was exceptional.

"This is a most significant day in the history of Te Arawa. What is momentous about this is how the candidates felt it was a privilege to be before the people and a privilege to be part of the incredible calibre of people standing.

"To contribute to the development of the city - for us it's an historical moment. I am absolutely thrilled as a member of the working group. What stood out from the candidates was the style of a united front of Te Arawa against all odds.

"This is the first time in the history of Te Arawa to have an opportunity for inter-generational, 50/50 gender equality [representation]."

"Anyone you vote for is going to do a great job."

She said candidates were aware of the challenges ahead should they be voted on to the board, with candidate Te Taru White saying members of the board would be "in a fish bowl".

"There's a lot of challenges, none of the candidates will be naive," she said.

Iwi member Marama Meikle said it was a huge day for Te Arawa.

"I believe it is a long time coming. It is an exceptional turn out - it is hard to activate the people. They are an exceptional set of candidates, and it is especially great to see rangitahi [youth] standing up."

Te Arawa kaumatua Monty Morrison said the second hui should have as large a turn-out.

Voting is now open and papers have been sent out to registered members, who are 18 and over, on the Te Arawa Lakes Trust register. Voting will close at 12pm, October 29.

- The second hui will take place on Friday from 6pm to 8pm at the GHA Centre on Fenton St.