South Wairarapa councils slow on Māori ward decision

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Wairarapa iwi are upset at the way one of their councils slow walked the process of considering Māori wards, making it too late to put to a vote before Friday’s deadline.

Rangitāne ki Wairarapa chair Te Raumaera Te Tau says as soon as Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta indicted she was changing the law around Māori representation, councils and council officers should have started the process of research and consultation.

But she says no action was taken at South Wairarapa Council.

"It highlights South Wairarapa District Council's lack of cultural competence. They don't have a Māori liaison to negotiate or connect the network with their communities. The CE has really let his mayor down to explain to council what it would take to make a Māori ward happen," she says.

Te Raumaera Te Tau says Masterton and Carterton have also left their vote to the last minute.
 

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