"If you look at co-governance, there's nothing to be afraid of," he said. "If you can name me one thing that iwi have developed or done in this district that's gone against anyone, or hasn't benefited anyone, then I'll eat my hat!"
From a Māori ward perspective, Waru said iwi relationships with council, specifically policy and mana whenua engagement, are key concerns for this election.
For the past five years Waru has been on the operations and monitoring committee of Rotorua Lakes Council, he still works the family farm every day and he says he was brought up in te Ao Māori tūturu.
