Merepeka Raukawa-Tait: Future has to include everyone

Sir Toby Curtis reminded people of the importance of water - the new gold, apparently. Photo / File

It is always a delight to meet someone you have admired from afar like I did this weekend - the Mayor of New Plymouth District Council, Andrew Judd.

You'll recall Andrew asked his community to support the establishment of a Maori ward. It went to a referendum and was voted down. No great surprise.

Some communities don't realise this is the future "coming ready or not". Andrew is one of a growing number of mayors and chairmen/women nationally who clearly understand there can be no long-term progress in cities, districts and regions without change.

What is interesting about the use of a local government referendum is that it is only required for the establishment of Maori wards. Say the farming community is unhappy and feel they need a more informed voice on their local council, a rural ward can be established by their council. This doesn't require a referendum. Just as there wasn't one when the Lakes Community Board was established. Only when Maori wards are proposed. That tells you something.

What impressed me most about Andrew is his quiet, fearless leadership. He knows leadership is not a popularity contest. He knows that by asking his community to take themselves out of their comfort zone there could be repercussions for him next year at election time. But Andrew is aware there are emerging strategic conversations taking place in New Zealand right now.

He wants to ensure his district is not left behind. Included in these strategic conversations is the Iwi Leaders Group. They are meeting and speaking directly with government. Their influence is far-reaching and there can be no doubt Treaty settlements have changed the political landscape. As someone said to me recently, it's not about having a receptive council to Maori issues, it's now about Maori asking "is this council fit for Maori?"

Trends overseas too are reshaping the nature of local government and representation. Globalisation, demographic change, technological change, climate change and on-going fiscal austerity are all posing new challenges for councils and their communities.

Andrew was invited to speak at a meeting held in Rotorua with a group of elected Maori councillors from around the country this weekend. Those present were fixated on the future needs of their communities. We shared the bold steps we are taking in leading positive change that will benefit everyone in the communities we represent.

The discussions were respectful, informative and robust. We understand that change can be challenging for many people. But, as councillors, we realise the crucial role we play in contributing to and creating the climate for change. We know our leadership and work on councils matter. We were fortunate to have Sir Toby Curtis present to update us on aspects of the Iwi Leaders Group work. He reminded us of the importance of water, the new gold apparently, not only here but around the world, and the role iwi play in ensuring it has a sustainable future. This has been a major piece of work for the group.

Expectations have changed. Citizens want to live in healthy communities. They want to bring up their children to be well educated, to get good jobs and to remain close by.

By all means do the big overseas experience but return home at some time and make a contribution to the ongoing development of New Zealand.

This development and growth will only occur when councils and communities are prepared to take action. And taking action almost always brings criticism. Andrew Judd is right. If you don't create a future that is inclusive of all citizens, allowing for all voices to be heard, you will have to endure the future you get. Kia kaha, Andrew.

-Merepeka lives in Rotorua. She writes, speaks and broadcasts to thwart the spread of political correctness.