About 200 people have gathered at the Tauranga Yacht and Power Boat Club where Hobson's Pledge spokesman Don Brash is expected to speak.
Two of Bay of Plenty's most vocal voices for and against Māori wards in local government are set to come together in a charity event to debate the Treaty of Waitangi.
Iwi representative Buddy Mikaere and Western Bay councillor Margaret Murray-Benge will headline the public debate on March 30.
Theevent has been organised by Greerton Lions as a way to generate discussion and raise money for the local community. Entry will be via gold coin.
Greerton Lions' member Terry Molloy said the club traditionally did not get involved in politics.
"We as a club are agnostic on the issue. We don't have a formal position on the Treaty or Māori at the governance table," Molloy said.
"I think it will have a lot of interest, especially with the by-election coming up for the Western Bay of Plenty District Council, the emphasis that has been put on Māori representation on council and the fact Margaret herself is a councillor. These are issues that deserve discussion and debate in a public forum."
Murray-Benge was part of a group of "concerned citizens" which rallied signatures for a now-defunct petition against Tauranga City Council's August decision to establish a Māori ward.
She also organised a meeting in January featuring Hobson's Pledge spokesman Don Brash, Hobson's Pledge spokeswoman Casey Costello and former New Conservative member Elliot Ikilei who spoke about their views on Māori representation.
In response, Mikaere organised a group of people to attend and stand in opposition to the meeting, some with signs, some with their voices - resulting in heated exchanges between some.
The exchanges included boos from protesters, scoffs from the crowd and one person yelling there was "no equality in the confiscation of our land".
Tauranga Māori historian and iwi representative Buddy Mikaere prepares to debate the merits of the Treaty of Waitangi at a public event this month. Photo / File
Mikaere said he agreed to the upcoming debate to ensure there was a balance to what was presented.
He had no intention of the evening becoming a slagging match.
"I can be responsible for my own behaviour. If other members of the audience and the other side of the debate want to express themselves at the same time, it's something beyond my control.
"If ever there was a time for rational discussion about Māori representation this is that time. Why I'm saying that is I believe there is a change in attitude coming in and you can see it in things like the Panepane Point debate and the handing back of that land."
In October, Western Bay of Plenty District Council voted to return part of Matakana Island to local Māori after consulting with the community. The feedback gained 7121 submissions in support and 260 against.
Murray-Benge, who voted in favour of the return, said she hoped to present her views on the Treaty, and reasons for them, fairly and without interference.
"Because I believe people just don't understand what it all means, what is actually happening out there and what it means for democracy.
"Where has New Zealand come from? Where is New Zealand going? What influence does the Treaty have on our Government?
"It's going to be a real healthy debate to have. We need to have a fair, honest and open discussion, without people taking sides and insulting each other," she said.
Western Bay of Plenty District Council councillor Margaret Murray-Benge is looking forward to discussing why she does not agree with Māori wards. Photo / File
Murray-Benge believed the debate would be "quite worthwhile" and she looked forward to shaking hands with Mikaere.
"I hold a view, I've got to be able to say why I do."
The debate will be held at Tauranga South Bowls Club on Tutchen St (accessed off 11th Ave) from 5.30pm. Dinner for those who want it starts at 6pm for $27 per person. The debate begins at 7pm for a gold coin entry per person.
More information is available at the Greerton Lions Facebook page or by contacting member Eugene van der Merwe on 021 103 7784.
The rundown What: Debate - The Treaty and Māori at the governance table Who: Buddy Mikaere and Margaret Murray-Benge, organised by Greerton Lions Where: Tauranga South Bowling Club Time: From 5.30. Debate at 7pm. Why: To raise money for the Greerton community.
