MEDIA RELEASE
25 May 09 Hauraki Maori Trust Board

Website: www.hauraki.iwi.nz

Maori Voice Critical for New Supercity Success

The government has to take another look at the question of Maori representation on the new Auckland supercity, says Toko Renata, Chairperson of the Hauraki Maori Trust Board.

The Board wants the Crown to honour its commitment with tangata whenua. Specifically, it wants:

• Better and more diverse representation in local government.
• Protection of mana whenua rights.
• Protection of the land, sea and people.

The Royal Commission acknowledged Iwi needed to be around the leadership table.
Hauraki iwi, together with other Iwi, want their legitimate role as tangata whenua, as a Treaty partner and as Kaitiaki recognised in local government frameworks.

“Maori must have direct representation on the new Council for our voice to be heard.”

“Maori have guaranteed rights under Te Tiriti, and these are being ignored, just as they were at Bastion Point 25 years ago.”

“We acknowledge the courage of those who stood up for their rights all those years ago, and commend them on their achievements since then.”

He stressed the hikoi was not intended to disrupt the city.

“The issues being highlighted are crucial to the success of the reorganisation scheme. We want the government to change its mind now before this issue gets too big. It’s not too late. Learn from the previous government’s failure to listen to us over the foreshore and seabed. Resolve it now, and we can move forward together.”

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