September 25, 2013
Maori seats a recognition of treaty partners
A Maori member of Environment Bay of Plenty Regional Council is assuring Pakeha voters elsewhere they don’t need to fear Maori seats.
Tipene Marr spoke in Kerikeri this week as part of an expert panel called together by the Northland Regional Council to a discuss future governance options for the north.
The council is trying to generate alternatives to a proposal from the Far North District Council now before the Local Government Commission for a unitary authority combining local and regional councils.
Maori representation has become a key part of the debate, and Mr Marr says dedicated seats have worked well for Environment BOP since they were introduced nine years ago.
"Non Maori like Pakeha are scared they think they are giving Maori power and stuff but they're really just giving us recognition and we are treaty partners. Its a right its not separatism or any of that sort of humbug that goes on, No " he says
Tipene Marr says the statutory authority model used in Auckland would be too expensive for Northland, but the council could benefit from three Maori seats.
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