Maori Party Commends Hastings District Council

Dr Pita Sharples; Co-leader, Māori Party
Friday 21 October 2005

The man from Takapau, Dr Pita Sharples, today congratulated the Hastings District Council on its Council / Māori joint Committee

From Ngai Te Kikiri o te Rangi and Ngāti Pahauwera of Ngāti Kahungunu, Dr Sharples has recently taken on the role of ‘buddy’ MP for Ikaroa Rawhiti electorate.

“I am very proud of the initiative taken by the Council in creating an opportunity for local iwi to have a strategic input into the direction of the district”.

“Our members have talked, passionately, about the drive towards determining their own destiny - a stand called Tū Motuhake” stated Dr Sharples.

“What the Council have done in appointing Ngātai Huata, Wā Harris, Tessa Robin, Peter Paku, Des Ratima and Bill Akonga to the strategic committee, is to acknowledge and better yet, implement, the call for a strong and independent Māori voice”.

“The Māori Party commends the courage of Hastings District Council in providing the space to really value Māori representation in local government. It is a move that we encourage all local councils to emulate”.

ENDS

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