May 20, 2021
Manawatū switches course on Māori seat
Sustained pressure from tangata whenua has forced a change of heart at the Manawatū District Council over Māori wards.
After hearing from Te Kōtui Reo Taumata, representing the 12 marae in its rohe, the council this morning revoted to create a Māori seat.
Te Kōtui spokesperson Meihana Durie says it’s a reminder of the power of kotahitanga, especially when standing up to the tyranny of the majority.
"We are a minority by numbers but of course we have every right through Te Tiriti o Waitangi to have equal partnership and the authority to make decisions on council," he says.
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