Ngāti Kahungunu Chair, Bayden Barber, is asking Mayor Richard McGrath to reconsider his decision to stand down Deputy Mayor, Sally Crown.

Says Barber, “I was shocked when I heard about the Mayor's decision earlier today. I called and spoke with Sally as soon as I could. I also tried to speak to Richard shortly after, but he didn’t pick up. Hopefully, we can have a conversation and find a way forward.”

Barber, who served two terms as a Councillor on the Hastings District Council, added, “Those elected to these roles come with a mandate from the community. The difficult discussions and pointed debates are part of the job. You win some, and you lose some, but you still find a way to move forward together. You can’t afford to let things get personal.”

He adds, “Sally is one of the most articulate, politically astute, committed councillors I know, and it was no surprise to me when Richard appointed her as his deputy. She is a wahine toa or woman of integrity and has much to offer in the role of Deputy Mayor.”

Barber is hopeful that a reconciliation can be made so that the Napier City Council can get on with the mahi their constituents expect of them. He concludes, “There needs to be a robust process for working through issues such as these. It can’t be one minute you're in and the next you're out.”

Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi by population, with over 95,000 people and covers the second largest geographic area from Mahia to Wairarapa. Within its boundaries, there are eight District/ City Councils and three Regional Councils.

Ngāti Kahungunu Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated is a Mandated Iwi Organisation/Authority. Ngāti Kahungunu is the third largest iwi. Geographically the tribe has the second longest coastline in the country from Paritū in the North to Turakirae in the South. Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Incorporated maintains an independent position to provide research, advice and advocate for the interests, rights, values, beliefs and practices of Ngāti Kahungunu alongside our whānau and hapū. Our mission is to enhance the mana and well-being of Ngāti Kahungunu.

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