Media Release
27 February 2014

HBRC Maori Committee to lodge submission on local government reorganisation

Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Maori Committee is preparing its own submission to the Local Government Commission on local government reorganisation in the region.

The Local Government Commission is calling for submissions on its draft proposal to create a unitary authority in Hawke’s Bay.

HBRC is lodging a submission, which the Maori Committee is endorsing, however the committee has decided to also lodge its own to raise its specific concerns.

Maori Committee Chairman Mike Mohi says the committee is concerned the environmental focus of HBRC will be diluted under a unitary authority and is asking the commission to retain the regional council.

He says they also want to ensure the strong Maori voice currently heard through Council’s Maori Committee, the  various Standing Committees and Regional Planning Committee will be continued under any local government reorganisation.

Mr Mohi says over a number of years HBRC has developed a strong understanding of the Maori view of the environment and has worked positively to address the concerns of mana whenua regarding environmental issues. The committee says this would be lost going forward if a unitary authority was the outcome.

Mr Mohi says the Maori Committee is strongly encouraging each Taiwhenua in Hawke’s Bay to also make their own submissions to the commission.

ENDS

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