WDC SHUTS DOOR ON PUBLIC HAVING A SAY ON MAORI WARDS

The Whangarei District Council has again ignored the 15,000 people who signed the petition calling for the public to have a say on Māori Wards. In a submission to the Justice Committee considering legislation that would restore the right of the public to have a say, the WDC said it opposed the amendment. They said:

·         It would damage their relationship with local hapu.

·         Is inconsistent with the Principles of the Treaty, and the council's “obligations to maintain, improve and facilitate opportunities for Maori to contribute to local authority decision-making”.

Councillors Olsen and Yovich asked for their vote against the submission to be noted.