In Kaipara, the fight for Māori representation continues as former Māori Ward councillor Pera Paniora stands for a general seat in this year’s local election, following the council’s controversial decision to abolish its Māori Ward.
Last year, Kaipara District Council voted 6-3 to disestablish its Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori Ward under new government rules, sparking protests and national debate over Māori representation in local government.
Paniora, who previously held the now-disestablished seat, says the council’s actions have left Māori voices marginalised, despite widespread opposition and a High Court challenge.
“It was so disappointing they had put did not meet some of the KPIs, where he had used bilingual in the pre-election report, because they said that that went against their director that no documents are to have Te Reo Māori in them, and another was not met because our CEO had spent time with iwi, and that the comments were that he’s only supposed to spend time with them when it’s in line with legal obligations,” says Paniora.
Despite these setbacks, Paniora remains determined to represent her community and push for change.
“When I stood up and had my speech at the marae, when I successfully obtained the seat, I did say, you know, we’ve done too much not to do more, and we’ve come too far not to go further. And I truly feel that, even though it’s been a hell of a rough time and we’ve been attacked left, right and center, I just know that if I am able to be part of a majority of votes into the next triennium, we can push forward a lot more,” says Paniora.
She hopes her campaign will inspire more community-focused leadership and restore pride in the district.
Voting in Kaipara closes on 11 October.
