3 x Articles - Unelected Maori representation, and others

[Kiwi Frontline]

SPECIALIST MAAORI REPRESENTATION PLANNED FOR WDC COMMITTEES

Waikato District Council is planning to introduce external specialist Maaori representatives to its principle Council Committees after the October 2019 local government elections.

Chief Executive Gavin Ion said that Council and Iwi were keen to improve the opportunity for Maaori to contribute to Council’s decision-making. 

The proposed Maaori representatives would have voting and speaking rights at Committee meetings (i.e. a decision-making role). 

www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK1907/S00180/specialist-maaori-representation-planned-for-wdc-committees.htm

[Kiwi Frontline]

NORTHLAND MĀORI MAKE PUSH FOR GREATER REPRESENTATION IN LOCAL GOVERNMENT

Northland Māori are making a push for greater representation in local government renewing calls for local Māori seats.
Despite having one of the highest Māori population in the country, Northland iwi leaders say the lack of representation in the council means Māori aren’t being heard.

Some say government intervention is necessary and that may include compulsory Māori seats.....

www.tvnz.co.nz/one-news/new-zealand/northland-m-ori-make-push-greater-representation-in-local-government-v1

[Kiwi Frontline]

MAYOR SAYS IWI NEED MORE POWER

The head of Local Government New Zealand is blaming the country's colonial history for an over-centralisation of power.

Localism is about giving decision making power back to individuals, communities, iwi, neighbourhoods, districts and regions.....

www.waateanews.com/waateanews/x_news/MjIxMjE/Breakfast%20with%20Dale/Mayor-says-iwi-need-more-power