Waimakariri council to consider Māori representation

Councillors will consider how best to recognise ‘‘the history and mana’’ of local Māori,  Waimakariri District Council chief executive Jeff Millward says.
The question of Māori representation will be considered alongside Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri as part of the council’s representation review ahead of the 2025 local government elections.

‘‘We will go through the process and we will be consulting with Ngāi Tūāhuriri to see if there is an appetite for a separate Māori ward,’’ Mr Millward said.

‘‘We have been looking at lots of ways to incorporate Ngāi Tūāhuriri within our decision-making to ensure it is more of a partnership and a collaboration.

‘‘It is important that it reflects the history and the mana that Ngāi Tūāhuriri has within the district.’’

To date the Rūnanga has preferred not to have a Māori ward, instead engaging directly with the council on issues of importance to mana whenua.

Mr Millward said the council regularly consulted with the Rūnanga and its consulting arm Mahaanui Kurataiao Ltd.

‘‘It is important that they have a voice and we need to make sure that we resource that appropriately to make sure we are getting a good outcome.’’

Two Ngāi Tahu appointed councillors were now serving on Environment Canterbury, following the passing of legislation last year, while other councils around the country were grappling with the question of Māori representation and co-governance.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tūāhuriri was the local mana whenua and treaty partner for a takiwā (territory) covering from the Hurunui River to the Hakatere River.

It traversed five territorial authorities including the Hurunui, Waimakariri, Selwyn and Ashburton District Councils, and the Christchurch City Council.

Comment has been sought from Ngāi Tūāhuriri.

- By David Hill
Local Democracy Reporter

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