Discussion of Māori protocol was part of the last Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board.
During the public forum, Silver Stream School principal Greg Hurley spoke on behalf of community rōpū (group) Te Whare Tapa Whā o Taiariari, asking for funds from the board for a projector and screen for use during gatherings.
Mr Hurley said about 24% of children at his school had Māori whakapapa (ancestry).
Because of this he wanted to enhance opportunities for Māori whānau to gather in a community setting.
Although the group began with people connected to the school, it operated separately from internal school activities and met at Wickliffe St Hall.
This was to encourage people to attend even if they did not have a connection to the school.
"It has to be those in the community that lead us," Mr Hurley said.
The group met fortnightly to learn waiata, kapa haka and te reo and was in need of a projector and screen.
At present the group only had a sheet to project on to, Mr Hurley said.
The group was pan-tribal because many of the tamariki and their whānau were not necessarily of Ngāi Tahu, the tangata whenua of the region.
Board member Brian Miller spoke against the application as the group had not approached Ngāi Tahu.
"Until such time as they have got those people together and got Ngāi Tahu behind them I think this should be held back.
"I don’t understand too much of this Māori business but if there is a tribe or iwi that has got the rights over the area I think they should be consulted first."
Board member Kathryn Anderson said as someone connected to the school the aim was to bring the whole community together.
She did not think the group was neglecting to communicate with its local iwi but the majority of the families were not from Ngāi Tahu so they felt distanced.
Board member Brian Peat said he did not understand what Mr Hurley was talking about because he spoke in Māori many times.
Mr Peat said a question put to Mr Hurley regarding whether these activities were in the curriculum was not answered clearly.
"If it is part of the curriculum it’s the taxpayers’ cost, its not a ratepayers’ cost at all."
Mr Simms said he viewed it as a community group open to anyone wishing to come.
After further discussion the board approved funding of $1255.95 to the community rōpū.
Community plan
The Mosgiel-Taieri Community Board has approved its 10-year community plan, with a number of adjustments.
Earthquake risk was added to a point regarding hazards on the Taieri Plains, and advocacy for airport shuttles to outlying townships was added to current priorities.
Governance support officer Jennifer Lapham noted the community plan was a living document and would be continually updated.
