Piako to consider Māori seat

Jenny Shattock

Matamata-Piako will be encouraged to establish a Māori ward for the 2022 local body elections.

Its Manawhenua forum, which met on Tuesday last week, unanimously recommended the establishment of a ward – and that the forum continue.

The Forum, a standing committee of council, includes representatives from Council, Ngāti Hauā, Ngāti Rahiri-Tumutumu, Raukawa, Ngāti Maru, Ngāti Whanaunga, Ngāti Paoa and Ngāti Hinerangi, meets quarterly.

If a Maori Ward is introduced for the 2022 elections, Council will need to make this decision by May 21 and it would trigger a representation review involving public consultation and hearings.

Under present legislation, the council can only have one Māori ward because it has 11 councillors.

Meanwhile, the South Waikato District Council, which supported the legislative change, says it has no plans to add a Māori ward.

“The South Waikato District is a strong multicultural community. We always have been. Our representation on Council has always encompassed a wide range of cultures particularly Māori and Pacific Island people,” mayor Jenny Shattock said.

“This has provided our Council with a sound basis for community representation since its inception in 1989. We have been very fortunate with the nature of our inclusive representation over the years, compared to some other councils.”

She said the focus on building one-on-one relationships with different communities over the past four to five years had enhanced her council’s ability to effectively represent different sectors of the community.

“Building and strengthening relationships continues to be a key focus for council.”

More Recent News

News in brief

Minor delays expected Drivers will experience lane closures next week for surfacing repairs around the new roundabout at the intersection of State Highways 1 and 29 in Piarere. On Monday the SH1 northbound (Hamilton exit)…

Pair bridged the gap

She’s a straight-talking Cambridge farmer and agribusiness consultant with a sharp wit and a love of a good post-game wine. He’s a seasoned grand master from Te Aroha who’s been playing bridge since 1970. Today,…

Lights on at Te Awa

The third edition of Te Awa River Ride’s Light Night will take place next month, as artists continue to add new sculptures along the popular trail. Te Awa River Ride Charitable Trust trail manager Sarah…

Licence renewal stalled

The owner of a Cambridge restaurant has been given a month to make significant changes to its ownership structure before Waipā District Council Licensing Committee will consider renewing its on-licence. Jaspal Grewal, co-owner of Koi…