July 28, 2015
Local government rules discriminate against Maori
Maori local government politicians from around the country who met in Rotorua recently have expressed concern at discriminatory rules at the local council level.
Rotorua Lakes councillor Merepeka Raukawa – Tait who chaired the meeting held prior to the Local Government Conference says the only time a local body needs to hold a referendum to set up a new ward is when it's for Maori representation.
She says if the farming community, for example, wants a new ward to represent their interests the council can simply set it up without polling the people.
Mrs Raukawa – Tait who was the highest polling candidate in Rotorua and who heads the Council's powerful planning committee says her council's recent move to have Maori elect their own representatives to sit on key council committees is a step in the right direction but doesn't go far enough.
Copyright © 2015, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com