December 19, 2016
Wardens oppose Wiri liquor outlet
South Auckland Maori wardens have been allowed to state their case against a new liquor outlet in Wiri despite an attempt to deny them status before the Auckland District Licensing Committee.
Dave Ratu from Turehou ki Otara Maori Wardens says the committee chair, retired district court judge Bernard Kendall, agreed to hear their submission despite a council inspector saying they had no greater interest in the application than the public generally, and therefore no right to object.
The outlet is going in an area of social deprivation with a high percentage of the population being Maori and a large number of liquor outlets nearby.
Mr Rata says Maori have a history of taking a community response to alcohol.
"Back in the 1800s our tupuna were leading the charge about restrictions on Waipiro in their areas. We can name Tawhiao, we can name Tamehana, Princess Te Puea. We’re picking up that mantle because we’re the ones, Maori wardens, who see the devastation alcohol has on our people," he says.
Dave Ratu says a decision is expected in the New Year.
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