May 31, 2016
Maori board better than election fodder


Auckland Mayor Len Brown hopes the local body election season can get through without any major attacks on the city's Independent Maori Statutory Board.
So far only Labour MP and independent candidate Phil Goff has made it an issue, saying it was a second rate compromise and he'd rather see the elected Maori seats recommended by the Royal Commission.
Mr Brown say the only reason to change would be if Maori say they want a change.
He's impressed with the leadership coming from chair David Taipari and the other members.
"It's not perfect but it's a pretty good start and it's a lot better than what has happened elsewhere around the country and it would be wise to let that structure settle over the next two or three terms and continue to build the capability of those serving on there. It is an effective and good voice around the table of Tamaki Makaurau," Mr Brown says.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com