April 08, 2021
Maori world view needed at Hamilton council table
Te Arataura chair Linda Te Aho says Waikato Tainui has another chance to explain the benefits of having Māori seats on the Hamilton City Council.
The council will next week consider a notice to revoke its 8-4 vote against creating Māori wards.
Ms Te Aho says last week’s vote was premature.
The backdown came after she and Te Whakakitenga chair Parekawhia McLean met with Mayor Paula Southgate to look for a way forward which would give the council time to consult on the proposal, and for the iwi to try to persuade councillors and community members who don’t understand what establishing Māori wards actually means.
"Some of them think of it as apartheid and separate and undemocratic privileges for Māori. We see it as an opportunity for better decision making by bringing the experience and skills of a Māori world view into decision making that makes for better, robust and more sustainable decisions," Ms Te Aho says.
Hamilton City Council will consider the notice of revocation on April 15 as part of its Long-Term Plan meeting, which will give it time to consult the public before the May 21 deadline for creating Māori wards.
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