Maori committee assesses its future

Council kaupapa Maori director Mauriora Kingi said new models for iwi engagement with the Rotorua District Council were being considered. Photo / Stephen Parker

The form and function of the Te Arawa Standing Committee remains up in the air as members ponder the future of Maori representation on the Rotorua District Council.

Three-yearly elections for the committee were due at the end of May this year. However, they have been postponed until a new district council is elected and the current committee has completed a full review of its role and effectiveness.

Council kaupapa Maori director Mauriora Kingi said new models for iwi engagement with the Rotorua District Council were being considered and there were "no immediate plans" to hold an election.

The standing committee was established 20 years ago to provide a Te Arawa perspective.

It is made up of six elected iwi representatives, two council-appointed members and the mayor as chairman.

Mr Kingi said a review of the committee was recently initiated to look at whether it was still effective.

"Over the years a strong and unique relationship has been developed between Maori and Rotorua District Council, one that is respected and envied in other parts of the country.

"But many would say it is probably time to take that partnership to a new level," he said.

"Ultimately, the future of the current Te Arawa Standing Committee, or the possibility of establishing any alternative consultation structure along these lines, will be a decision for the incoming mayor and council after the elections."

He said the committee would be assessed to see if it was the best way to ensure the views of Maori formed a genuine part of the council's strategic decision-making and was also exploring alternative structures by looking at the various ways Maori have input into local authorities around the country.

Elected committee member Potaua Biasiny-Tule said there was definitely a place for high-level Maori representation on the council where values could be set into policy.

"This is tatou tatou - Maori and pakeha working together. What's good for Maori is good for Rotorua."

Mr Biasiny-Tule said there was still a lot of work to be done.

"Both parties need to tidy up their own houses before we can truly be neighbours," he said.

Mr Kingi said Maori involvement, particularly Te Arawa, in the council was critical for the city's future.

"The council is very keen to ensure there is a strong and meaningful process in place that acknowledges the historic partnership the council has with tangata whenua and its role in helping to shape our district's future.

"In the meantime, there are no immediate plans at this stage to hold new elections for the Te Arawa Standing Committee as members want first to complete the current committee review and prepare and present their recommendations to the incoming council."