Should Maori have guaranteed representation?

Yes. Those with mana whenua (mana of the land) in this area have been guardians of the lands, seas and harbours of this region for centuries. They welcomed and gave a place to the new European settlers, expecting they would live alongside them in a respectful relationship. We all need to recognise that relationship today if we are going to move into a future based on a right and peaceful relationships between people and the land.

What did the Royal Commission recommend?

The Royal Commission on Auckland Governance recognised this and recommended that of the 23 councillors in the new structure there should be three seats for Māori. Two Māori members should be elected to the Auckland Council by voters who are on the parliamentary Māori Electoral Roll and one Maori member should be appointed by a Mana Whenua Forum. The members of Mana Whenua Forum were to be appointed by mana whenua from the district of the Auckland Council.

What has the Government decided?

The Government announced that The Auckland Council will be made up of 12 councillors elected to represent wards and an additional eight councillors who will be elected at large. There are no seats for Maori. Recognition of the role of mana whenua, and of individual hapū and iwi will be a responsibility of the new Council.

The Government decision means that in spite of being Tangata Whenua, there is no recognition of Maori right to have guaranteed representation in decision making in the region.

What can we do?

Here’s what you can do to encourage more careful consideration of the issues.

Join the hikoi on May 25

The HIKOI will converge at the bottom of Queen Street by 12noon on May 25 before peacefully walking together to the Town Hall and Aotea Square. There will be Pakeha Treaty Workers and Tangata Tiriti banners which you may wish to gather around.

The hikoi will be starting at four points:
South Auckland
8.30am at Manukau City Council; 10am leave by car convoy. CBD parking details to be announced.
East/Central Auckland
8.30am at Bastion Point-Orakei Marae; 9.30am leave by walking along Tamaki Drive to the bottom of Queen Street.
North Auckland
10am at Awataha Marae, 58 Akoranga Drive,leave by car convoy; 11am re-group at Victoria Park then walk to bottom of Queen Street. CBD parking details to be announced.
West Auckland
9am at Te Piringatahi o Te Maungarongo Marae, 19 Luckens Road, West Harbour; 11am re-group at Victoria Park then walk to bottom of Queen Street. CBD parking details to be announced.
Visit http://ihiaotearoa.wordpress.com/ for your Area Coordinator contact details and further info.
Email MPs

Ask them to review the Government decision and to respect the recommendations of the Royal Commission.

Hon. Dr Jonathan Coleman, MP for Northcote
j.coleman@ministers.govt.nz
Hon. Judith Collins, MP for Papakura
j.collins@ministers.govt.nz
Hon. Rodney Hide, MP for Epsom
r.hide@ministers.govt.nz
rodney@epsom.org.nz
Dr Paul Hutchison, MP for Hunua
paul.hutchison@parliament.govt.nz
Nikki Kaye, MP for Auckland Central
nikki.kaye@parliament.govt.nz
Hon. John Key, MP for Helensville
j.key@ministers.govt.nz
Peseta Sam Lotu-Iiga, MP for Maungakiekie
peseta.sam.lotu-iiga@parliament.govt.nz
Hon. Dr Wayne Mapp, MP for North Shore
w.mapp@ministers.govt.nz
Hon. Murray McCully, MP for East Coast Bays
m.mccully@ministers.govt.nz
Allan Peachey, MP for Tamaki
allan.peachey@parliament.govt.nz
Hon. Dr Lockwood Smith, MP for Rodney
mp.rodney.warkworth@xtra.co.nz
Hon. Maurice Williamson, MP for Pakuranga
m.williamson@ministers.govt.nz
Hon. Pansy Wong, MP for Botany
p.wong@ministers.govt.nz
Hon. Paula Bennett, MP for Waitakere
paula.bennett@xtra.co.nz
Make a submission

The Government has not yet released details of the submission making process. Check the websites below for updates.

For more information

IHI: Iwi Have Influence http://ihiaotearoa.wordpress.com/

Royal Commission: Download the Royal Commission's report here.

Government website: Download The Government's Version here.

There are a number of other issues relating to general representation with regard to the Government plans for the Super City. For more information go to: http://www.cc4a.net.nz/