The union representing local government workers is condemning a New Zealand First members’ bill that would disestablish Houkura, Auckland Council’s Independent Māori Statutory Board.
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi Kaihautū Māori Jack McDonald says the bill is another attack on Māori representation in local government and on mechanisms designed to uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
NZ First says it will campaign on the proposal ahead of the election, with leader Winston Peters targeting the statutory board’s role within Auckland Council.
McDonald says Houkura plays an important role in representing tangata whenua interests across council decision-making and helps ensure Auckland Council can meet its obligations to Māori.
The board consults on issues considered significant for Māori, including governance representation, better engagement models and fairer allocation of resources between iwi.
The PSA says the move follows wider attacks on Māori wards and reflects an agenda to weaken Māori participation in local government.
McDonald says Houkura is a unique statutory expression of Te Tiriti in Tāmaki Makaurau and should be protected, not dismantled.
He says the board brings together council departments, mana whenua, local boards and Crown agencies to help improve Māori outcomes across Auckland.
The PSA is calling on all political parties to reject the bill and recognise Māori representation as an important part of democracy.
McDonald says Houkura should not have to fight for its existence when its role is to help deliver on constitutional commitments under Te Tiriti.
#Houkura #AucklandCouncil #NZFirst #WinstonPeters #PSA #JackMcDonald #TeTiriti #MāoriRepresentation #LocalGovernment #TāmakiMakaurau #MāoriWards #PoliticsNZ #Aotearoa #RadioWaatea #WaateaNews
