The hearings have reinforced that we need a better mechanism for iwi involvement and any solution will need to evolve to be the best it can be.
This process has given us much to think about, and that was the point of the special consultative process.
This work has been enlightening. While the hearings have been time-consuming and sometimes hard going, councillors have understood the need to find a way forward. We've heard clearly that the old model wasn't working and that we have to find something more enduring and relevant.
For councillors, the correct place for the debate is in the council chamber and it should have stayed there. It's important to trust the quasi-judicial consultation. I was disappointed that some councillors didn't wait for the democratic process to take its course. Instead, they formed an opposing view when council had only committed to a proposal "in principle" so that a public conversation could take place. It's sad this has caused something of a rift in our district. Now it's our job as councillors to come together and find the way forward for all.
It won't be easy. There have been many compelling arguments and logical propositions put to us in submissions and hearings. Councillors now have to consider them all in an open and non-combative environment and try to make sense of everything that has been put to us.
We were elected to make the hard decisions that will help make Rotorua a better place - and that's a responsibility I take seriously.
I've been enormously heartened by this consultation process. I've watched younger people taking the most active role in participatory democracy I've ever seen. They clearly want to shape a more inclusive and collaborative future. I've watched another group who are fearful of the proposal. I understand that anxiety and we will need to work with those people to allay their fears. Whatever comes out of our decision-making will need to be trialled, tested and revisited until we have it right.
I've actually enjoyed the process.
We hoped for a wide cross-section of views and that's what we received. We've been challenged to use common sense.
I believe we've reached a common understanding that Te Arawa are not just another special interest group. They hold a much more significant role in our society and there is a view their perspective is needed at the council table. But we also understand we need to consider the views of special interest groups, and that's something we'll explore through our portfolios.
Overall, the engagement process for this important issue has, for me, reinforced our Rotorua 2030 vision's approach of "tatau tatau - we together". This is our district crest and reflects the partnership we have with our whole community with the aim to take our district to new heights.
Or as one submitter simply said: "Once partnership is in place, true democracy begins."
-Steve Chadwick is the mayor of Rotorua
