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A South Taranaki community board member says Stratford Council had no excuse but cowardice for not even discussing setting up a Māori ward in time for next year’s election.
Ngāti Ruanui intends to protest the lack of action at a meeting today of the council’s long term plan.
Bonita Bigham from neighbouring Ngaruahine Iwi says she backs the stance.Ngāti Ruanui is making
She says all councils must review their representation every six years, so the council has had plenty of time to consider the issues.
"Here in Taranaki we have a long history and a sad history of colonisation, of confiscation and oppression on our whenua but somehow other councils have managed to see the irrational fear, past the racist rhetoric and make decisions to be really courageous,"
Bonita Bigham says the other three Taranaki councils are among the almost 20 around the country who will have Māori wards after the next election.
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