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September 16, 2016
Maori wards still needed in Tamaki Makaurau
Waatea Team
Posted On September 16, 2016
Tamaki Makaurau MP Peeni Henare is backing a call from Auckland mayoral candidate Phil Goff for fresh consideration of Maori wards for the city.
With voting papers for local government elections going out today, Mr Henare says it’s important Maori vote so they can try to influence what happens.
But the lack of Maori wards or candidates to vote for could also contribute to a lack of Maori interest,
In Auckland the Independent Maori Statutory Board is appointed, not elected.
"What we need is a voice in the chamber, and while I appreciate what the IMSB has done because they have voting rights on all the committees, the fact is if the council wants to change something in the chamber, they can do it without either ISMB or wider representation for Maori," Mr Henare says.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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