Hon Tariana Turia
Co-Leader of the Maori Party
7 April 2009 Media Statement

Turia reacts to Government’s decisions on Auckland

“Stop excluding mana whenua by using so-called democracy to continue their ongoing exclusion” was the bold call from Tariana Turia today, following the Government’s response to the proposals from the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance.

“Relegating mana whenua to an advisory capacity, rather than sitting at the table in their own right, clearly indicates we still only have one way of viewing the world in this country; and it is a world view which is not inclusive of Treaty rights and responsibilities,” Mrs Turia said.

“Mana whenua is literally, the first occupants of those lands and they therefore have a right to have a say.”

“That was why the Royal Commission examined the evidence and called for three Maori councillors – two elected from the Maori roll and one appointed by local iwi.”

“At some point, we must have the political will and the courage to address inclusion in our communities.”

“Failure to do so risks the likely repercussions for not only mana whenua but taurahere and others, who will feel deeply the sense of being marginalised.”

“Let’s be real – democracy has never worked for minorities. What we have operating at local government level across the country is an unacceptable model of separatism – in that key stakeholders such as Maori are being excluded from decisions which matter a great deal to local communities.”

“The role of local authorities is often critical in terms of the resource use and allocation decisions that are made.“

“Strong Maori representation is essential not just as a Treaty right and responsibility, but also because iwi are now significant economic players and landowners, and will play a leading role in the further development of their communities.”

ENDS

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