Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More

Local Govt | National News Video | Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Search

 

Hikoi To Manawatū District Council Gains Momentum

A packed house of marae, hapū and iwi representatives gathered together in Feilding last night to discuss the recent vote by Manawatu District Council not to establish Māori wards in the region. As a result of the meeting they have collectivised as Te Kōtui Reo and have retracted the gifted name Te Manu Tāiko for the Councils Māori engagement body and relinquished their full cultural support for the Manawatū District Council until further notice.

Guest speaker at the hui Debbie Ngarewa-Packer (Ngāti Ruanui, Ngā Ruahine, Ngā Rauru) Co-leader of the Māori Party and previous Deputy Mayor of South Taranaki District Council shared insights of her journey walking beside and challenging local council for equity and recognition of her Iwi as a valuable Te Tiriti Partner. Debbie encouraged Te Kōtui Reo to use the collective as a springboard for change and she reminded the room that “although there are many racist undertones and fear from those not yet open to establishing Māori wards in the District, that people can change their minds – if they choose to”. She adds that “Māori wards is not only a Māori issue, as a local community you have worked together, supported one another and uplifted each other during difficult times, why wouldn’t the broader public support and help you have a voice in Council?”.

Another guest – Previous Mayor of New Plymouth Andrew Judd shared his journey of metamophisis and the impact of working to bring a distinct Māori voice to the Council table. He has delivered over 370 public speeches on this matter and despite the personal changes he has made, he stilll calls himself a recovering racist, to highlight the decision to own his past and his privilege requires courage and daily commitment.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

One of the attendees from Aorangi Marae, Ngāti Kauwhata Sir Mason Durie said: “If the meeting showed anything it was that iwi are united in a commitment to improve the social and economic circumstances of our people. We all agreed that in a region such as the Manawatū, a strong Māori voice will be critical, not only for Māori but for everyone within the region”.

A hikoi will take place 9am Tuesday May 11 departing from 139 South Street Feilding to demonstrate solidarity and to present a series of signed letters by local Iwi and

Hapū leadership representatives to Mayor Helen Worboys for serious consideration.

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.