Max Simpkins: Improved Te Arawa input better for all

All local authorities are obliged to facilitate Maori participation in decision making. Photo / Ben Fraser

The Te Arawa Partnership debate has had a lot of air recently.

One side seems to have positioned itself on the side of "democracy" (good), while the other side is presumably anti-democracy (presumably bad).

The discussion on how to give effect to the Treaty of Waitangi partnership in Rotorua deserves better than simplistic positioning.

I come from two perspectives: as someone who has spent a lot of time working with communities in my previous role as a police officer and now as a lawyer working on Maori and Treaty issues; and I also come from the fortunate interface position of having a mother who is New Zealand European and a father who is Maori. I was also born and raised in Rotorua.

I make the following comments in the hope of contributing something constructive to the discussion. I acknowledge that uncertainty about the legal status of the Treaty does not always help, and it may be time for more work to be done on better defining its place in our constitutional framework.

But, having said that, we simply cannot ignore today's need to address what the Treaty relationship means in our community. There are two ways to look at this:

1. The legal perspective

It is important to recognise that all local authorities are legally required to establish processes to enable Maori to contribute to decision-making processes.

This is not a Rotorua issue - it's an issue that all councils must address. Some may disagree with this special recognition, but it is required under the Local Government Act and your council is following the law.

2. The relationship perspective

From my perspective, the Treaty can best be understood as a symbol of commitment to developing and maintaining strong relationships between the Crown, councils and Maori.

Rather than depicting the current process as divisive, we should see the opportunity to focus on how to achieve healthy relationships in our community.

Rotorua is special - it is recognised for its lakes, its geothermal features, its celebration of Maori culture, and its long history of harmonious relationships. Our community has reached the point of increased awareness and intelligence where it accepts the beauty of all of its people and their cultures and recognises the abhorrence of suppressing the minority others. Moreover, there is hope for us all if we have the courage to truly embrace each other to shape a healthy future.

Improving the input of Te Arawa in the decision making can only enhance the quality of relations and decision making.

Providing Te Arawa with a seat on a committee of council - not on to the elected council as correspondents seem to believe - is a modest, pragmatic and almost certainly cost-effective proposal. The proposal will lay the foundation for both good decision making and stronger community relationships and for those who remain anxious, the ultimate decision making still remains with your elected members.

-Max Simpkins is a Rotorua lawyer.