 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
 |
|
|||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||
Tangata whenua
Anecdotal evidence suggests that, in most parts of New Zealand, Māori have not been represented in local government in proportion to their numbers in the population. Māori representation is strikingly low in Auckland, otherwise known as the largest Polynesian city in the world.
Local authorities throughout the country have addressed this issue by seeking the views of Māori, through advisory committees or other consultative processes. The growth of Māori organisations with a strong economic base may also lead to more organised interest in representation in local government – from local authorities to health board, to meet community-defined outcomes.
Waitakere’s Taumata Runanga
Te Taumata Runanga, a standing committee of the Waitakere City Council reporting directly to Council, has a role in the decision-making process on matters of concern and cultural significance to the Māori community.
In general, Te Taumata Runanga is given an early opportunity to consider
matters of special significance to Māori communities, so that other committees
and council can consider their views.
Te Taumata Runanga is involved in:
- considering projects involving effective service delivery
- consulting with tangata whenua and Māori communities before major policy decisions that significantly affect the Māori people
- providing input on decisions where Māori cultural values or knowledge is important
- advising the council and its committees about implications of policy issues for the Māori community.
- developing a significant role in the long-term council community plan/annual plan planning process.
Membership
The Taumata Runanga Committee comprises:
- representatives from a number of organisations selected by the Māori communities within Waitakere City and appointed by the Council.
- two members appointed by the Council
- the Mayor (ex officio)
- the Deputy Mayor (ex officio).
Māori in decision-making
The LGA 2002, in its sections on governance and management of local authorities and community boards, says that after each triennial election each local authority must issue a local governance statement that describes representation arrangements, including the option of establishing Māori wards or constituencies, and the opportunity to change these.
On planning, decision-making and accountability it sets out the obligations of local authorities in relation to the involvement of Māori in decision-making processes. It says a local authority must establish and maintain processes to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to its decision-making processes. Local authorities must consider ways in which they may foster the development of Māori capacity to contribute to their decision-making processes.
When these authorities are making significant decisions relating to land or a body of water, they are required by law to take into account the relationship of Māori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral land, water, sites, waahi tapu, valued flora and fauna, and other taonga.
There is no problem with local authorities having advisory
councils to represent ethnic or other interest groups, says Act local
government spokesperson, Ken Shirley. “I think it is a good idea”.
But he says Act does have a problem with the option of separate local
electoral rolls for Māori and “race-based seats around the council
table”.
