Media Release
27 February 2014
HBRC Maori Committee to lodge submission on local government reorganisation
Hawke’s Bay Regional Council’s Maori Committee is preparing its own submission to the Local Government Commission on
local government reorganisation in the region.
The Local Government Commission is calling for submissions on its draft proposal to create a unitary authority in
Hawke’s Bay.
HBRC is lodging a submission, which the Maori Committee is endorsing, however the committee has decided to also lodge
its own to raise its specific concerns.
Maori Committee Chairman Mike Mohi says the committee is concerned the environmental focus of HBRC will be diluted under
a unitary authority and is asking the commission to retain the regional council.
He says they also want to ensure the strong Maori voice currently heard through Council’s Maori Committee, the various
Standing Committees and Regional Planning Committee will be continued under any local government reorganisation.
Mr Mohi says over a number of years HBRC has developed a strong understanding of the Maori view of the environment and
has worked positively to address the concerns of mana whenua regarding environmental issues. The committee says this
would be lost going forward if a unitary authority was the outcome.
Mr Mohi says the Maori Committee is strongly encouraging each Taiwhenua in Hawke’s Bay to also make their own
submissions to the commission.
ENDS