Editorial: Iwi board is about recognition

Councillor Mike McVicker's proposal sparked numerous letters to the editor and comments on our website both for and against. Photo / Ben Fraser

The issue of Maori representation has arisen again with a proposal for a new board to replace the Te Arawa Standing Committee, giving the iwi a greater voice on the council.

The board would consist of eight members - six of those appointed by a Te Arawa-mandated entity and two elected during a Te Arawa hui-a-iwi - who could sit on council committees, be part of Resource Management Act decisions and establish sub-committees.

If the council did not accept the board's advice on any matters raised, the council would have to give its reasons in writing.

It's worth remembering that it's early days in the process, as pointed out by the mayor and councillors, but it is also worth noting the proposed board could be in place by July.

Our story on Saturday about the proposal, detailing concerns from councillor Mike McVicker, sparked numerous letters to the editor and comments on our website both for and against.

Mr McVicker made two key points: Unelected members should not be able to make decisions for the council, and the proposal would allow for race-based electoral privilege.

Debate on the second of these points will, unfortunately, drown out any debate on the first. But this isn't a race issue; this is about recognition and this is about democracy.

What is clear is that our council needs to have an effective working relationship with Te Arawa, and that suitable recognition should be given to the iwi's role in Rotorua's development and growth.

Until last year the Te Arawa Standing Committee provided a local iwi perspective for the council, but this was often criticised as toothless. This new proposal would certainly provide the teeth, giving iwi a real hand in decision-making.

But is it the best way to go about it? Critics have a right to question whether the proposed system would be democratic.

Maybe it's now time to revisit the issue of Maori wards. An idea once criticised because it would threaten the necessity of the standing committee, it may be now that with the promise of representation and a more democratic method, it's an idea worth looking at again.