Government overreach on Māori wards ‘disturbing’

• Published date: 21 August 2024
• Author: Ilona Hanne
• Publication title: Stratford Press

In a public forum before the meeting, councillors heard from Ngapari Nui and Graham Young from Te Runanga o Ngāti Ruanui, Anaru Marshall and Sam Tamarapa from Te Kāhui Maru, and John Hooker and Emma Gardiner from Te Korowai o Ngāruahine

Young, Te Rununga o Ngāti Ruanui taiao offficer, said the recent Government legislative change, which required councils to make a decision on Māori wards by September 6 this year was “a complete overreach”.

He had strong words for the Government.

“Shame on the Government for reigniting the flames of a race debate ... Division and hatefulness will flourish.”

Te Kāhui Maru pouwhakahaere Anaru Marshall said the new legislation would give a platform and voice to “factions” in the community that would otherwise struggle to be relevant. The legislation was undemocratic, he said, as it had been pushed through without proper consultation.

Te Korowai o Ngaruahine pouwhakarae Emma Gardiner told elected members the iwi had “skin in the game” as it was focused on investing in the community, pointing to the current development of the Stratford Lodge, on the site of the former Dawson Falls Lodge as well as the work done by iwi in Stratford during Covid.

She was, she added, “happy to have a beer” with any councillor to further discuss the merits of Māori wards.

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