December 06, 2022
Hikoi call over karakia ban
Supporters of Kaipara Māori ward councillor Ihapera Paniora will march through Dargaville tomorrow morning to protest a karakia ban by the new mayor.
Craig Jepson blocked Councillor Paniora from starting the council meeting with a blessing, saying he intended to run a secular council.
Hikoi organiser Paturiri Toautu says an opening karakia has been a feature of council meetings for more than 25 years.
He says Mayor Jepson has shown contempt for Maori values and customs and treated Councillor Paniora and the Maori community with disrespect.
The mayor has also come under fire from Ngati Whatua leader Dame Naida Glavish, who is demanding a meeting with Mr Jepson to discuss the council’s future relationship with iwi.
She says Ngati Whatua ki Kaipara has had a constructive and long-standing relationship with the council.