May 17, 2015
NZ Maori Council pushing governance strategy
The New Zealand Maori Council wants to find ways for Maori to become more involved in governing their communities.
It has called a national conference in Palmerston North at the end of the month to look at strategies for Maori participation and representation at all levels of government in Aoteoaroa.
Co-chair Maanu Paul says it’s a long-standing issue that needs a concerted effort to tackle.
Speakers will include marae, hapu and iwi leaders as well as members of local government and post-settlement entities.
The hui will also consider the council’s relevance today and how it can work better not just with Maori committees but with urban and iwi authorities.
Meanwhile the revitalisation of the council continues, with a district Maori council covering Te Tau Ihu, the top of the South Island, holding its annual meeting over the weekend.
Having properly constituted Maori committees and district councils helps the national body as it pushes to resume oversight of the Maori wardens and to act as an advocate for Maori on issues that might fall outside the responsibilities of individual iwi.
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