Editorial: Partnership proposal polarises councillors

FILE

As much as they would hate to admit it, there is a growing rift between Rotorua Lakes councillors. It has been brought about by the much publicised and talked about Te Arawa Partnership Proposal, which if you have not heard about it you must have been living under a rock.

From the outside looking in councillors now sit in two camps. Four councillors - Glenys Searancke, Rob Kent, Mike McVicker and Peter Bentley are members of the Rotorua Pro Democracy Society and are now seen to be supported in council meetings by a brigade of older, grey-haired, pakeha, middle class people with little blue badges on their chests with the letter "D" printed on them.

These people have automatically assumed the three Te Arawa affiliated councillors - Trevor Maxwell, Tania Tapsell and Merepeka Raukawa-Tait support everything the iwi have put in front of them. However, I have not heard them publicly speak out in support of the proposal as it stands, I have, however, heard them say they are fully supportive of the current public consultation process, which seems a sensible policy.

Members of the society have stated they are not pleased with how the mayor is running meetings saying their voices are not being heard or taken seriously. The group has always advocated for full public consultation, and now they have it.

Both sides have accused the other of pre-determination and council staff have told them they have, or are receiving, legal advice to ensure the process is legal and above board.

Whether or not you believe Te Arawa should have more of a say in the running of their rohe, the council wants to hear from you.

The consultation period starts on Monday and closes on April 17, which is more than enough time for people to have their say.

Council staff have arranged 10 public meetings around the district to help people understand the proposal and how to make submissions. The dates for these meetings are yet to be confirmed.

Obviously, the final decision will be in the hands of your elected representatives.

A submission hearing will be held on April 30 and May 1, with deliberations on those submissions taking place on May 26.