September 13, 2022
Rotorua race brings out the racists
A Rotorua Lakes district councillor is disappointed at the racism on display in this year’s local body elections.
Merepeka Raukawa Tait says it’s more overt than in previous election cycles.
Some if it seems to be triggered by the introduction of a Maori ward, and she puts it down to white fright.
“Pakehas always think when Maori’ sit at the table something is going to be taken away from them rather than thinking about the value we actually bring. I just sail along and think at the end of the day the voters will decide. If they say ‘thank you Merepeka but no thank you,’ kei te pai, I can live with that. I’d like them to think about my track record, that I show up, I speak up and I stand up,” Ms Raukawa Tait says.
She’s disappointed there are three Maori standing for mayor, as that could split the vote and let a non-Maori through.