That stance - to not introduce Māori wards in time for the 2022 elections but rather to consult with iwi in time to consider the issue for the 2025 elections - had been challenged in March this year when Mayor Neil Volzke asked councillors if they wanted to revisit that original decision which had been made in August last year.
While the mayor, along with councillors Min McKay, Peter Dalziel and Amanda Harris, had wanted to revisit the decision in March, they were outvoted, with the other seven councillors voting to leave it as it was.
At just after 5pm today, Wednesday May 18, notice of an Emergency Meeting of Council was posted online on the council website and Facebook page.
The agenda for the meeting contains only one decision report, and states that report is in response to the submissions from Ngāti Ruanui and Ngāruahine at yesterday's long-term-plan hearing.
The report, written by Tiffany Radich, director – corporate services and deputy electoral officer for the district, states the reports gives councillors another opportunity to make a decision on the subject.
"Elected members and Council officers present at the hearing acknowledge the mamae (hurt) and disappointment expressed by these iwi at the current lack of Māori representation. Due to the significance the council places on its relationship with Māori in the Stratford District, and to acknowledge that council has come a long way in engaging with iwi and wants to continue to strengthen the relationship and work together for better outcomes for our community, elected members are being given a final opportunity to review Māori representation for the 2022 local election."
The emergency meeting of council will take place on Friday, May 21, in the council chambers.
Disclaimed: Editor Ilona Hanne is married to the CEO of Stratford District Council.
