Letters to editor: Maori can be elected under regular wards

Readers have strong views about Maori wards in the Western Bay. Photo/file

Peter Day (Opinion, December 7) claims the Treaty of Waitangi says it is only fair that Western Bay of Plenty District Council has Maori wards, but the treaty says no such thing. It is completely silent on political representation, and simply states that all New Zealanders have equal rights.
Mr Day also notes that the "Maori community has no council representatives".
Those under 40 have no council representative either and women, who are 51 per cent of the population, only have one councillor of 12. But guess what, everyone is free to stand for election.
In Parliament, there are 29 Maori MPs out of a total of 120 MPs, several in serious leadership roles. Only seven were elected in the separatist Maori electorates, proving beyond doubt that Maori are perfectly capable of being elected if they want to be, without the need for separatist arrangements.
Margaret Murray-Benge
Bethlehem

Status quo satisfaction

In 2014 Tauranga City Council voted against the creation of a Maori ward in the 2016 elections. Speaking to Te Ao Maori on RNZ in November 2014, Mayor Stuart Crosby defended the move, saying "my personal view is that in due course there should and will be direct Maori representation around our council table. A number of treaty settlements are taking place alongside existing co-management and governance arrangements that ensure Maori have a voice in the creation of council policy."

This has indeed happened. Tauranga's council has a consulting process with 16 iwi/hapu. The RMA provides for compulsory consultation. The Tauranga Moana Collective and Kaumatua Forum operate within the council.

The council has a duty to represent the whole community without bias or prejudice. Maori voters choosing not to vote in a Maori candidate means they are satisfied with the status quo and do not require a Maori ward. The electoral system is there for a reason.

Residents in other cities have voted against Maori wards or compulsory Maori seats and some of these voters have undoubtedly been Maori who do not want to be forced into voting for a Maori candidate – that is not a democracy.

RE Stephens Mount Maunganui

Museum good for all

In reply to Gary and Sylvia Winterburn (Opinion, December 12): Firstly, there is help for those on low incomes. There are also many instances where good sorts and those better off help meet need. These acts of community help, kindness and generosity are not to be underestimated.

Secondly, it would be quite wrong for the council to act in ways that pull our local economy down to meet just the needs of the lower socio-economic echelon. We have become a flourishing region where growth and prosperity need to be balanced across culture, business and infrastructure. It's time to move on from the old village mentality. Our region is flourishing with jobs, business, sport, tourism, and other sectors. We need to plan and to grow with it.

Thirdly, the museum/cultural centre planned for Cliff Rd will not only be an outstanding attraction for the region, but will generate good jobs and possibly significant income for the council, which will benefit the wider community, including those on lower incomes.

And yes, I can talk - I was a single mum struggling to pay the bills, including rates, but I wanted the best for my children. I am eternally grateful to all those who helped me, including with the rates. So let's vote prosperity – it benefits all.

Charmian Brown Tauranga