Maori Party Commends Hastings District Council
Dr Pita Sharples; Co-leader, Māori Party
Friday 21 October 2005
The man from Takapau, Dr Pita Sharples, today congratulated the Hastings District Council on its Council / Māori joint
Committee
From Ngai Te Kikiri o te Rangi and Ngāti Pahauwera of Ngāti Kahungunu, Dr Sharples has recently taken on the role of
‘buddy’ MP for Ikaroa Rawhiti electorate.
“I am very proud of the initiative taken by the Council in creating an opportunity for local iwi to have a strategic
input into the direction of the district”.
“Our members have talked, passionately, about the drive towards determining their own destiny - a stand called Tū
Motuhake” stated Dr Sharples.
“What the Council have done in appointing Ngātai Huata, Wā Harris, Tessa Robin, Peter Paku, Des Ratima and Bill Akonga
to the strategic committee, is to acknowledge and better yet, implement, the call for a strong and independent Māori
voice”.
“The Māori Party commends the courage of Hastings District Council in providing the space to really value Māori
representation in local government. It is a move that we encourage all local councils to emulate”.
ENDS