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October 05, 2016
Maori are walking away from local government.
Waatea Team
Posted On October 5, 2016
Iwi leader and an ex-Deputy Mayor Debbie Ngarewa-Packer shares concerns that poor turn-out of local government voters shows a growing disconnection from Maori who are not being engaged and are not being encouraged to participate.
Local Government make decisions on our immediate environment, who can build next to you, how waahi tapu is preserved, water treatment, sports facilities all which affect Maori but clearly our people feel they can’t change anything and simply can’t find relevancy. It is frustrating to watch the results knowing Iwi and Maori have provided solutions to increase participation that aren’t being supported.
Local Government should worry because if this trend continues to grow councils will become bankrupt of ideas and miss out on strategic relationships with Iwi as they become more influential economically. Ngarewa-Packer believes a radical approach is required before the turn-out gets lower and lower to ensure a very small minority that represents a select few of the community are not running the regions.
Debbie was Deputy Mayor in South Taranaki District successfully achieved the first appointment of an Iwi Liaison Management position within the council, increased Tangata Whenua funds, and involvement of Iwi on standing committees and policy development and the adoption of Maori tikanga into council practices.
Copyright © 2016, UMA Broadcasting Ltd: www.waateanews.com
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