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Download AudioA Tauranga Moana kaumatua says Tauranga’s Māori and business communities are united in their support for the city in the hands of commissioners for another two years.
Buddy Mikaere of Ngāti Pūkenga says the commission led by former National Minister Anne Tolley is doing a fantastic job, and the involvement of commissioner Shad Rolleston means tangata whenua perspectives are part of the mix.
He says there has been none of the anti-Māori actions that used to be the norm with elected councillors.
“When I look at some of the projects around the town, the remake of the city centre, for example, there’s been huge input from Māori into that to the extent that the proposed new council debating chamber will also do double duty as a whare for the house with a big ātea out the front so we can has proper formal welcomes for important people who might come to the city,” he says.
Mr Mikaere hopes Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta will reappoint the commissioners rather than replace them when their term expires in October.
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