September 13, 2016
IMSB still growing into role
Outgoing Auckland Mayor Len Brown says it could be another couple of terms before the city's Independent Maori Statutory Board reaches its full potential.
He says as the super-city's first may he had the responsibility of ensure the structure was bedded in, including board.
He says it has been well-led over the two terms by David Taipari, and it has has strong outcomes economically, financially and in its contribution to setting rules for planning.
Mr Brown says most Maori would concede it's a good alternative to elected Maori seats, which the Government refused to allow.
"It gives us a very consistent and effective seat at the table and is a good way go forward and certainly something to build on. I don't hear a lot of quibbling or whinging among Maori for either the role the board plays of that they should't be there or there should be something different," he says.
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