August 19, 2022
Time for Tunui to be Kawerai kaikaranga
Kawerau has a new Māori mayor.
Faylene Tunui. who has served two terms as deputy mayor of the 7000 strong Eastern Bay of Plenty township, was the only candidate for the top job when nominations closed a week ago.
She says she’s viewing her political journey through a Māori lens.
“It’s no different to presenting yourself to your people at the marae. If you think being kaikaranga or kaikōrero is something you would like to do you need to go in and learn and listen. You need to be respectful to those who have walked that path and they will let you know when it is your time, much like the process we are in now. So some work to do, looking forward to it,” Ms Tunui says.
Kawerau faces difficulties with the closure of the newsprint but there are many positive things to build on.