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December 08, 2022
Kaipara karakia ban mistake says minister
Claudette Hauiti
Posted On December 8, 2022
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Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta says the mayor of Kaipara has made a mistake in not allowing karakia at the start of a council hui.
Download AudioLocal Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta says the mayor of Kaipara has made a mistake in not allowing karakia at the start of a council hui.
Craig Jepson blocked incoming Māori ward councillor Pera Paniora from starting the first meeting of the new council with a blessing.
He says he intends to run a secular council.
Ms Mahuta says he’s misinterpreting the role of karakia.
“With the growing number of Māori councillors being represented across the country I expect the general tikanga for councils will evolve. The mayor has made a mistake, Everyone makes mistakes and there is always time to rectify them and I hope he learns from it,” she says.
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