Delegations to Committees TE TAUMATA RUNANGA FIELDS OF ACTIVITY

Transcription

1 Delegations to Committees FIELDS OF ACTIVITY TE TAUMATA RUNANGA Consideration of any matter before the Council in respect of which Maori may make a contribution to decision making and fostering the capacity of Maori to contribute to the Council s decision making processes including: Development and recommendation to Council, of policies, strategies and programmes addressing the social, economic, cultural and environmental wellbeing of the Maori communities of Waitakere City. Advice to Council on policies, strategies, programmes and issues of interest or relevance to the Maori Communities of Waitakere City. Assisting Council to ensure that Maori values are considered in the Council's decision making; Assisting Council, where appropriate, to meet its obligations to the Tangata Whenua; Ensuring that the needs of the Maori community are considered in effective service provision; Enhancing effective communication between the Maori Communities of Waitakere City and the Council and its committees; Assisting Council to be aware of and sensitive to issues of concern to Tangata Whenua and local Maori people; Providing a forum which will facilitate input into the Council's decisions that have cultural significance to Maori people; MEMBERSHIP 10 Members nominated by the following Maori communities within Waitakere City (1 member appointed by each): Hoani Waititi Marae Kakariki Marae Te Atatu Te Kawarau A Maki Te Piringa Tahi O Te Maungarongo Te Roopu Kaumatua O Waipareira Te Roopu Puawai O Waitakere Te Roopu Wahine Maori Toko I Te Ora Te Runanga O Ngati Whatua Te Whanau O Waipareira Trust 2 Members appointed by the Council

2 The Mayor (ex officio) The Deputy Mayor (ex officio) The Committee will elect its own Chairman. Quorum: 6 Members (including at least one Elected Member of the Council) DELEGATED POWERS 1. Authority to develop and adopt goals, strategies, policies and programmes for adoption by the Council for matters within the Fields of Activity., 2. Authority to re-allocate funding already approved by the Council as part of the Long Term Council Community Plan (LTCCP)/Annual Plan process, for matters within the Fields of Activity provided that the re-allocation of funds does not increase the overall amount of money committed to the Fields of Activity in the LTCCP/Annual Plan. 2. Responsibility to monitor Long Term Council Community Plan/Annual Plan implementation within the Fields of Activity. 3. Authority to make submissions to external bodies on behalf of Council in respect of matters within the Committee s Fields of Activity providing such submissions are not inconsistent with decisions of Council or the Council s strategic policy framework as set out in the Long Term Council Community Plan or in any other specific Council policy and strategy documents. 4. Authority to provide advice and recommendations to Council on matters within the Fields of Activity including: (i) Projects involving effective service delivery. (ii) Proposals for consultation with Maori communities before major policy decisions are made by the Council. (iii) Decisions where Maori cultural values or knowledge is important. (iv) The implications of proposed policy issues for the Maori community. (v) Programmes and initiatives recommended for inclusion in the Long Term Council Community Plan/Annual Plan planning process.

3 The community outcomes for Waitakere City Green Network He tuituitanga kakariki Mauri Ora Access to Maori resources WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED People are in harmony with and have a strong sense of stewardship / of kaitiaki of the natural environment. We are all actively managing our growth and minimising ecological threats particularly through increased local participation in decisions and action. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES More opportunities for learning about and interacting with the natural environment. Continue Project Twin Streams and expand Green Network initiatives and access across the whole City. Focus on children's ecological education. More opportunities and incentives to act ecologically. Actively apply Kyoto principles and carbon emission banking locally. Increase the awareness and appropriate use of local plants. TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Mana Tipuna/Whakapapa (Ancestral links between, past, present and future). TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA - ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Live as Maori. Celebrate being Maori. Celebrate ethnic cultural diversity. Celebration of the city's unique and rich tribal and Maori history. Cultural knowledge within a traditional and contemporary context is valid and relevant. TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Transmission of cultural knowledge from the one generation to another generation, including wananga process. Sustaining the quality of të reo (Maori language) and tikanga. Cultural practices are celebrated. Marae development and marae policy. Cultural villages - Cook Islands education centre. HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS Establishment of the city's first marae based Whare Wananga. Establishment of Te Atatu Marae and Te Kawerau A Maki Marae. Arts-performing, link to Corban Estate; mahi toi, heritage sites. 3 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

4 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Nga Manukura Maori leadership Strong Communities He iwi kaha TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Whanaungatanga (Relationship building) TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Maori determination and integrity Sustained Iwi Maori leadership in Waitakere TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Maintaining the vision. Mandate, accountability and transparency are consistent. Constant mentoring to maintain leadership capacity. Representation - e.g. District Health Boards, Waitakere City Council. Recognition of Iwi Maori leadership. Bi-lingual signage of the city and civic facilities. HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS A strengthened capacity for Iwi Maori to develop rangatahi (tuakana teina). Strong collaborative relationship between Iwi Maori and Civic leaders. The community wants people to have a sense of belonging and to feel safe. WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED Waitakere has a strong sense of connection and networks of community and people feel safe and have a sense of belonging. We are civil and respectful of each other and have a good work life balance and contribute to our city, community, friends and family. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Enabling and creating ways for people to contribute to their communities. Increased resourcing of community efforts and good ideas Creating and supporting places and local focal points where people can gather (e.g. childcare, playgrounds, shops, facilities, marae, places of worship, schools, sports clubs, parks). Facilitate more ways to bring people together around practical projects, events, markets, festivals, around issues, good ideas, opportunities. Support the community identification of common interests, priorities and needs. Enable people to connect with local environment and take care of it (learn from the Maori world view). Maori achievement is celebrated (eg: Walkway of Fame, newspaper from Te Taumata Runanga). 4 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

5 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Strong Economy He tupuranga kaha ihi wana WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED Our local economy is sustainably prosperous with abundant good local jobs, strong businesses, high quality education and training opportunities, and contributes to a sustainable regional economy. Waitakere City is an attractive place to work and do business where people have choices. People have a good work-life balance, quality of life and participate in family and community life. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Grow local employment opportunities. Increased provision of commercial and industrial land - Hobsonville, Westgate, Henderson Vineyards Business Campus, intensive development of Henderson and New Lynn. Increase in percentage of students attending local schools. Robust skill demand research informs demand-led tertiary provision and career choices. Good design of spaces and places for business that also encourage strong communities. Complete key infrastructure projects - State Highways 16, 18, 20, railway double tracking, public transport, broadband. Increase tertiary participation rates including on-job training and modern apprenticeships. Increase connectivity of local business communities to each other, to the city to the world. Leverage economic benefit from current and new inter-city relationships e.g. Sister Cities. Foster a stronger business voice. Maximise the business success rate and its profitability through training, information and advice. Whenuapai as Auckland's second airport. Establish and market a compelling city identity as a business location. Increased focus on Maori, Pacific and eco-friendly business development. A fresh Council culture that facilitates and enables sustainable development and business. Grow niche, export focussed industry clusters that have a high technology and/or design and/or intellectual property component. All youth in education, training or employment. Successful migrant attraction, settlement and utilisation to meet identified skill demands. Educational facilities, such as the Unitec Campus in Henderson, help address the community outcome for high quality education and training. Priorities for a strong economy included growing niche and export focussed industry clusters, such as boat building. 5 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

6 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Sustainable and Integrated Transport Kauneke Tauwhiro me te Whakaurunga Waka Sustainable Environment Kauneke Tauwhiro Taiao WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED Sustainable transport systems provide fast and effective movement of people, goods and services within, and in and out of the city. The transport network is integrated, innovative, safe and environmentally responsible and supports excellent lifestyles and quality urban and village design. Public transport services are appealing, reduce car dependency and match local need. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Sustainable transport systems that prioritise meeting high needs and demand. Develop alternative options that reflect global trends. Develop walking and cycling opportunities. Ensure route planning involves public and community input and enables access to key places and services, e.g. health centres and hospitals, shops, civic & leisure centres, beaches and parks. Improve the quality, accessibility and amount of public transport to best practice internationally (including added services e.g. wireless access). Develop targeted travel planning initiatives, particularly for getting to school and work. Vehicle trips to and from schools contributes significantly to traffic congestion, making travel planning a community priority. We manage our growth in a way that increases our sustainability and enables a healthy living environment. We have access to good quality water and air, and we manage our energy waste and water innovatively and responsibly. We are a leader in sustainable housing and building practices. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Keep moving to be a zero waste city with more alternative waste systems. Increase the use of renewable energy. Develop stronger leadership in the development of alternative energy sources. Promote incentives and reduce disincentives for sustainable technologies e.g. solar water heating, onsite water collection. Develop and promote eco-tourism. Expand the Beacon project to support and develop more sustainable housing. Promote water management to reduce waste, increase conservation and improve the quality of the waterways. More sustainable housing, such as Ranui's Earthsong (pictured) is considered a priority. 6 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

7 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Te Mana Whakahaere Autonomy Toiora Healthy lifestyles TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Rangatiratanga (Whanau based self determination). TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Wairuatanga (Intrinsic values). TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA - ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Active protection of Maori interests in accordance with the Treaty and recognition of Iwi Maori. TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Recognition on cultural frameworks. Maori participation and representation in decision-making. Maori focused polices or policies which contain a Maori component. Iwi and Maori determine needs, interests and resources. HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS Recognition of Iwi Maori aspirations. Enhanced capacity of self governance through increasing representation in all sectors of our community. Relevant Kaupapa Maori theory based research, measures and indicators. Protection and promotion of Te Reo and Tikanga Maori TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Good health, education and increased participation in a healthy and positive lifestyle. TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Whänau development Whakatipu Whanau. Parenting support young and single parents. Residential/rehab care. Health, particular to children, men and women. Maori statistics are 5th world Poverty Housing Racism HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS Stronger connectivity of Maori with each other and others in the community. 7 Youth services recreation facilities. Recognition of Iwi Maori aspirations is an important outcome. COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

8 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Urban and Rural Villages Nga kainga taone, tuawhenua Vibrant Arts and Culture Toi me nga Tikanga Taketake WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED Henderson as the key central town centre with Westgate and New Lynn as major centres and a network of smaller villages and neighbourhoods. Thriving well connected town and neighbourhood centres where people want to live, play and work. WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED Waitakere City's arts and culture is reflected and appreciated in our everyday life, and the city is itself a work of art. We participate in creative pursuits and have a deep and wide perception of arts and cultures in our city. The centres reflect local character and foster pride. People feel connected to their local places and to each other. Villages have an identified centre, are safe and have accessible common areas. Homes are healthy and environmentally responsible. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Increased resourcing for arts, culture and heritage. Increased number and diversity of facilities and spaces for arts and culture. More arts in infrastructure and the built environment. WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Resources provided for community led initiatives. Infrastructure to reduce travel (e.g. Broadband, access centres), and provide anchor points in smaller centres. (e.g. community and childcare facilities) Increased opportunities for local planning, representation and projects. More events, festivals, markets and local activities. Initiatives to increase actual and perceived safety. More visible local identity and character with resourcing for local heritage initiatives. Actively manage intensification and growth with enough communal and green places ensured. More events and festivals celebrating cultures, arts and heritage. Establish a Pacific arts and cultural centre in Waitakere. Development of Corban Estate as an arts precinct. Focus on nurturing, increasing understanding and bringing forth our heritage. Strengthen the growth of the local creative industry and sustainable arts business. There is community support for the development of Corban Estate as arts precinct. 8 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

9 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Waiora Environmental protection Whaiora Participation in society TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Kaitiakitanga (Guardianship). TIIKANGA/KAWA = VALUES Kotahitanga (Collaboration). TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA - ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Replenishment of nature s food chain of tiriwa, (the flora and fauna). Maori and non Maori respect and appreciate the city's natural taonga/wonders. TAUTOKO = VISION MOEMOEA - ASPIRATIONS/GOALS Comprehensive participation of Iwi Maori in the affairs of Waitakere City, Aotearoa and the world. Sustain positive growth of innovative Maori economic development. TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Minimising the pollutants. Protection of wahi tapu sites. HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS Iwi Environmental Resource Centre. TAKE = THEMES/ISSUES Quality education to be provided for all sectors, especially the establishment of Matauranga Maori in lifelong learning. Employment and education outcomes are linked. Maori wellbeing is integrated with social and economic development. Knowledge economy is a critical opportunity to be explored, particularly in the global context. Maximising the potential in young people and Kaumatua. Eco Tourism. Te Tiriti o Waitangi claims. Stormwater. Housing. Engagement of Maori on Project Twin Streams. Since European settlement over 14 bird species have disappeared from the local area and the community want more respect for nature. Whiteheads have recently been re-released into the Waitakere Ranges. Bird pic 9 HE ORANGA = OUTCOME AREAS Maori Achievement Research Liaison with Te Puna Kokiri Wananga Collaborative practice Celebrations Matariki Inter-ethnic recognition Improved access and affordability to public transport. COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

10 The community outcomes for Waitakere City continued Who will use the Community outcomes? Working Together Te mahi tahi DISTRIBUTION AND USE OF THE COMMUNITY OUTCOMES The community outcomes will be distributed to community organisations and government agencies, as well as the Council. They will be encouraged to include community outcomes in their business plans, joint ventures and projects. WHAT OUTCOMES YOU WANT ACHIEVED We have a culture of working together as a city, as neighbourhood and as a family, efficiently utilising our time, people and resources. We mobilise local energy and empower people to participate through providing information people need and open transparent decision-making. RESPONDING TO THE COMMUNITY OUTCOMES In particular the Council has to record how it has responded to the community outcomes in its 10 year planning as detailed in its Long Term Council Community Plan The Council also has to report on the progress by all the contributing agencies to achieving the community outcomes in WHAT YOU WANT AS PRIORITIES Increased opportunities to engage. Advocate the need to work together individually and through organisations. Improve communication systems to better support participation. Value and resource engagement and leadership. Support different voices and views being represented. Link groups to each other (ethnic, business, ages). Explain decisions that are made and reasons why. Use consultation feedback better. 10 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

11 How the community outcomes were obtained Previous consultation Public workshops BUILDING ON PREVIOUS CONSULATION To build on the past, previous visioning and consultation was gathered together into a display called the journey. Waitakere's people were asked to consider it then contribute their views about the following: how they see the city developing in the next ten years. what they most value about their neighbourhood. Two panels - two world views 8 community outcomes Feedback 6 community outcomes = 14 Draft community outcomes document The Community Outcomes for Waitakere City Nga hua kowhiringa o te Iwi Whanui o Waitakere 11 what their main concerns are relating to the future of Waitakere. WORKSHOP PANELS The community outcomes were then pulled together by two panels of residents, from past material and recent consultation workshops held between May and August The latter included some 13 community workshops - four citywide workshops, a hui and Pacific Islands fono, a youth workshop, ward-based workshops and a business workshop. In addition to the past consultation and workshop material the panels also considered the following material: Waitakere Wellbeing Summit 2004 proceedings Waitakere Wellbeing Collaboration Project, in particular the Calls to Action Waitemata District Health Board Northwest Sector vision Waitakere Health Link consultation on priorities Waitakere City Council consultation literature reviews: general and Maori (April 2005) Major Trends summary by WCC Strategic Group The panels each distilled this into eight and six outcome areas and between them some 32 priority statements. Some of these outcomes and priorities are similar to the Council's strategic platforms identified in 2003, but a few new areas were identified, such as arts and culture and toiora or healthy lifestyles, and others were expanded. The detailed, final community outcomes and priority statements from the two panels are on pages COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

12 Two panels Two world views When looking at developing the community outcomes many of the community felt it was important to recognise Maori within the city and specifically acknowledge the partnership the Treaty of Waitangi provides for. In order to achieve this two panels of residents gathered to prioritise the community outcomes, these two panels were a general panel with representatives from a wide range of communities and a Maori panel, and through this process the community outcomes were developed with a two world view. To explain a two world view there is the challenge of integrating, where possible, the two world views that each party brought in 1840 to their interpretation of the Treaty of Waitangi, and that currently run alongside each other guiding our respective lives today. With the benefit of hindsight, we now have the opportunity to take advantage of the moemoea or vision that is implicit with the Treaty of Waitangi. A vision of nationhood and bicultural coexistence based upon deeply ingrained notions of what was important then, and is even more important today. There are many common areas between the two ways of seeing the world expressed below and with partnership and understanding will develop over the years. General panel A world view Sustainable and Integrated Transport - Kauneke Tauwhiro me te Whakaurunga Waka Sustainable Environment - Kauneke Tauwhiro Taiao Urban and Rural Villages - Nga kainga taone, tuawhenua Vibrant Arts and Culture - Toi me nga Tikanga Taketake Working Together - Te mahi tahi For each of the above community outcomes priority areas were identified. That is, what the community feels are the most important areas to consider first. The economy was seen as particularly important with the Strong Economy community outcome drawing 18 priority statements - a clear indication that this is a key area on which to focus. GOLDEN THREADS THAT CROSS WEAVE Weaving through these eight community outcomes and highlighting important focus areas are seven golden threads: The Treaty of Waitangi Equity and Fairness Sustainability Safety Children and Youth GENERAL COMMUNITY OUTCOMES The general panel reflected on the diverse communities of Waitakere and they came up with eight community outcomes. They are summarised as follows: Green Network - He tuituitanga kakariki Strong Communities - He iwi kaha Strong Economy - He tupuranga kaha ihi wana Empowerment and Participation Lifelong Learning One way of thinking is to imagine these threads weaving through the outcomes, thus highlighting the priority areas. The detailed, final community outcomes and priority statements from the two panels are on pages COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

13 Maori panel A world View MAORI COMMUNITY OUTCOMES There are six key areas of the Maori community outcomes: Te Mana Whakahaere - Maori autonomy Nga Manukura - Maori leadership Whaiora - participation in society Toiora - Healthy lifestyles Waiora - Environmental protection Mauri ora - Access to Maori resources An outline was developed of the status of Maori community wellbeing today and the potentialities of the future status of Maori community wellbeing in terms of the following: Tautoko - vision Moemoea - aspirations and goals Take - themes or issues Here - links to the Council's platforms He oranga - outcome areas Piki te ora - measures TIIKANGA/KAWA OR VALUES Alongside and interwoven throughout these six key areas are cultural values (see tiikanga or kawa on opposite page): Rangatiratanga - whanau based self determination Whanaungatanga - relationship building Kotahitanga - collaboration Wairuatanga - intrinsic values Kaitiakitanga - guardianship Mana Tipuna/Whakapapa - ancestral links between past, present, and future Cultural links between the past, present and future are important. A community outcomes hui was held in June 2005 at the Trusts Stadium, Henderson. 13 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

14 The draft Community outcomes COMMUNITY ASKED TO RESPOND During October 2005 the public was given the opportunity to respond to 32 draft community outcomes statements (see key statements below). You were asked to circle the three draft statements that you felt were the most important or a top priority for you. 1. Green Network - He tuituitanga kakariki 2. Mauri Ora Access to Maori Resources 3. Nga Manukura - Maori Leadership 4. Strong Economy - He tupuranga kaha ihi wana 5. Sustainable and Integrated Transport - Kauneke Tauwhiro me te Whakaurunga Waka YOUR FEEDBACK ON THE DRAFT OUTCOMES The above were then collated into a draft community outcomes feedback form that was distributed to all Waitakere households (in the Council's Waitakere City News), in October It was also posted on the Council's website, with an online version of the feedback form. All workshop participants and key stakeholders were sent copies. To gauge the response mix we asked where people lived and worked. As expected most respondents (98%) live in Waitakere City, but just over half work in the city and slightly under a half work elsewhere. About 2% were retired. Of the 600 plus responses nearly 70% agreed with the draft outcomes, 6% either didn't know or were neutral and about a quarter disagree. Most of the disagreed suggested changes and areas to focus on more. 6. Sustainable Environment - Kauneke Tauwhiro Taiao 7. Strong Communities - He iwi kaha 8. Te Mana Whakahaere - Autonomy 9. Toiora - Healthy Lifestyles 10. Urban and Rural Villages - Nga kainga taone, tuawhenua 11. Vital Arts and Culture - Toi me nga Tikanga Taketake 12. Waiora - Environmental Protection 13. Whaiora - Participation in Society 14. Working Together - Te Mahi Tahi 14 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

15 The draft Community outcomes continued Of the responses received, the highest priority area (about 20%) was for the Sustainable and Integrated Transport outcome, or one of that outcome's key statements. The other top scoring outcome areas were: Strong Economy 18% Strong communities 15% Sustainable Environment 15% The feedback on the drafts was then considered by the panels to produce the final community outcomes (see pages 3-10). Next steps One of the key organisations that will be responding to the community outcomes is the Waitakere City Council. The Long Term Council Community Plan process provides all residents with a range of opportunities to have their say on how they want to see their Council contribute to how the city develops. These include workshops, focus groups, feedback and making their voice heard at Community Boards, and Resident and Ratepayers groups etc. HAVE YOUR SAY IN THE LONG TERM COUNCIL COMMUNITY PLAN By law, councils have to review their long term plans, in consultation with their communities, every three years. The Waitakere City Council will publish a draft plan in April It will then be open for submissions and the final version, covering the years 2006 to 2016, will be adopted in June The journey, which looks back at a decade of community consultation within Waitakere City, was shown at each of the thirteen community outcomes workshops held in PLAN FOR THE CITY This plan documents who will be doing what to achieve the community outcomes. It is an umbrella strategy that will look at existing strategies, action plans, and policies within the Council and other agencies. Development of Waitakere's Plan for the City will begin in This booklet was prepared by the Waitakere City Council's Strategy and Development Unit. The community outcomes and priority statements in this document reflect the goals and aspiration of the City's residents and ratepayers. A sustainable environment and strong communities were given the same importance as community outcomes, each scoring about 15%. The icon drawings were developed to reflect the idea that the community's visions are touchstones and guiding stars for the future. For a whakatoki or explanation of the symbolism and/or translations of this document phone the Council's 24hr Call Centre or go to or 15 COMMUNITY OUTCOMES FOR WAITAKERE CITY NGA HUA KÖWHIRINGA O TE IWI WHANUI O WAITAKERE

16 The Proposal to Establish a Maori Constituency for Environment Bay of Plenty (The Bay of Plenty Regional Council) Report from Hearings Commissioner Judge Peter J Trapski, CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FCIArb(London), FAMINZ

17 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ The Proposal to Establish a Maori Constituency P.O. Box 413, Tauranga Executive Summary 1 Maori people comprise some 28% of the total population of the Bay of Plenty as compared with Maori being 14% of the total New Zealand population. In some parts of the Bay of Plenty the proportion of Maori is higher; within the Whakatane district it comprises some 40% of the population; in Opotiki it is 54%; and in Kawerau, Maori are 48% of the total population. 2 There are currently no Maori on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. In the past, some Maori have been elected to the Council, but none have yet been able to be re-elected to a second term. 3 There is a widely held perception among Maori in the Bay of Plenty that they are unrepresented on the Regional Council. 4 Submissions received in response to the Council s invitation for people to become involved in a consultation process on its proposal to establish a Maori constituency resulted in strong support being shown by Maori in particular. They have strongly indicated a desire to be involved in local government, particularly at a regional level, and in the management of the environment. 5 The validity of the proposal should be considered primarily and essentially against the constitutional law of New Zealand, particularly that which affects the delivery of democracy in this country. 6 Since 1867 it has been an essential part of New Zealand s electoral process and its constitutional law, that Maori have a privileged position in the government of this country. That position and those laws were received as recently as 1993, but 6 years ago. Despite positive moves to abolish the Maori seats in New Zealand s House of Representatives, the Government confirmed the constitutional position of Maori, and then increased the number of Maori seats in Parliament, to ensure that they more truly represented the proportion of Maori to that of the general population. 7 The proposal for a Maori Constituency of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council is in conformity with the principals enunciated by the Royal Commission on the Electoral System, and the provisions of the Electoral Act It is therefore considered to be constitutionally sound, paralleling and reflecting the delivery of democracy in the government of New Zealand. 8 I therefore recommend that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council continue to promote the establishment of a Maori constituency in accordance with the proposal under consideration. 6 August 1998 Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

18 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ Bay of Plenty Regional Council P.O. Box 413, Tauranga The Proposal to Establish a Maori Constituency My Terms of Reference On 3 June 1998, I was appointed a Hearings Commissioner to conduct hearings and to report on the proposal to establish a Maori constituency for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. My brief was to:- My Inquiry 1. Consider all the written submissions made as part of the public consultative process. 2. Conduct hearings of all those who have requested to be heard and who still wish to do so. 3. Having regard to the arguments developed and the points raised in the written and oral submissions and the constitution and laws of New Zealand and the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi, report to the Chairman of Environment B.O.P. on whether or not Environment B.O.P. should proceed to promote a local Bill to establish a Maori constituency for the Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Environment B.O.P.). After some preliminary reading, I conducted oral hearings over a period of seven days in Tauranga, Rotorua, Whakatane and Opotiki. After reviewing those submissions and the other matters detailed in my brief I now report. Background The 1996 statistics indicate that 28% of the population of the Bay of Plenty has identified as Maori as compared to 14% of the New Zealand population. In some parts of the Bay of Plenty the proportion of Maori in the population is much higher. Within the Whakatane district Maori comprise some 40% of the population; in Opotiki it is 54% and in Kawerau it is 58%. In Tauranga it is 16%. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

19 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ P.O. Box 413, Tauranga The Bay of Plenty Maori population is expected to increase by 47% (30,500 people) by the year It represents the second largest growth rate in the country. The council has an Iwi Liaison Officer and three Maori liaison committees, but none of the Council s existing 11 seats is occupied by Maori. Although the high proportion of Maori people should ensure their representation on the Council, it simply has not worked that way. For whatever reason, apathy, distrust of a Pakeha system, the belief they do not stand a chance, or anti Maori prejudice, Maori are not being elected on to the Council. For some years there has been in the perception, particularly among Maori that: there is no Maori representation at the Council table; the present system of election to the Regional Council with constituencies based only on area and population, does not properly recognise the high proportion of Maori people living in the Bay of Plenty; direct representation would enable the Council to have a greater understanding of its responsibilities to Maori people under the Resource Management Act and would also give Maori people a greater understanding of sustainable management of the environment direct representation would guarantee increased Maori participation in local government activities. In 1996, the three Maori Regional Representation Committees set up a working party to investigate the establishment of a Maori electoral constituency. A report was prepared and presented to the Resource Planning Committee at its meeting on 28 November Subsequently a report from the Resource Planning Committee was considered by the full Council and as result the Council established a working party consisting of: three representatives from the Maori Representation Committees; the Chairperson of the Council; the Chairperson of the Resource Planning Committee; and the General Manager, to consider the matter. That working party recommend to the Council that it publicly notify its proposal to establish a Maori constituency and follow the public consultative procedure set out in section 716A of the Local Government Act which allows one month for the public to make submissions on the proposal and giving those who make submissions the right to be heard, if they so desire it. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

20 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ The Proposal P.O. Box 413, Tauranga In essence, the Proposal is to promote a local Bill through Parliament to change the existing provisions for the election of members to the Council. Each voter in the Bay of Plenty region would choose whether they wanted to be on the General roll or the Maori roll. The General roll voters would elect councillors in either the Tauranga, Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, or Eastern Bay, just as they do now. The Maori roll voters would vote for one councillor in either the Western Bay of Plenty, Rotorua, or Eastern Bay of Plenty areas, depending on where they lived; they would elect representatives for the Maori rohe or ward. These representatives could be Maori or non- Maori, but could be voted for only by people on a Maori roll. The Proposal is not intended to affect the 1998 local body elections and, if accepted, would mean the following changes to representation on the Council: Number of Members Area Prior to the proposal If the proposal was implemented Tauranga 3 3 general Western BOP 2 2 general 1 Maori Rotorua 3 2 general 1 Maori Eastern BOP 3 2 general 1 Maori Total: The Proposal is not entirely new. In the 1980s special legislation was passed to provide for Maori membership of the Auckland Regional Authority by creating constituencies reflecting not only the general electoral districts within the region but the Maori electoral districts (or parts of those districts) as well. But that electoral system was repealed during the 1992 local government reforms. The Consultation Process The Proposal was publicised by means of a brochure and potential submitters were told that a committee of the Council would consider all of the submissions, hold a public hearing if needed and make a recommendation to the full Council meeting on 21 May At that meeting, a decision would be made by Council to either proceed or not to proceed. Some 760 written submissions were received in favour of the proposal and 252 against. Of those, some 139 for the proposal and 18 of those against the proposal indicated that they wished to be heard. In general the submissions reflected a very strong desire of Maori to proceed with the Proposal. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

21 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ P.O. Box 413, Tauranga I was then appointed as a Hearings Commissioner on the terms of reference set out above. Distribution of Pamphlets Concern was expressed about the consultation process, and the numbers who responded. It was said that the proportion of submissions received in support of the proposal was skewed because the distribution of the pamphlet was restricted; that it was made available to some ratepayers, but not to all, and that it received maximum publicity among the Maori population. Section 716A of the Local Government Act does not require the Council to poll each and every ratepayer. It simply prescribes a consultative procedure. It is in no way a referendum and the results of the process cannot be taken as expressing the view of the electorate. The process was undertaken to better advise the Council on the Proposal which it then would have to decide upon. To that extent I believe the process has been helpful, but there the matter must remain. It can be taken no further. The Arguments For the Proposal Views from those who were in favour of the Proposal may be summarised as:- The partnership role under the Treaty of Waitangi dictates that Maori should be provided with an elected voice on Council. There is no Maori representation amongst the political members of the Council. There would be better communication between all parties. Maori issues and concerns would be given more consideration. Active participation of iwi at all levels of governance should be supported. No matter how well intentioned, a Pakeha cannot be a Maori at heart. The majority of the natural resources are owned by tangata whenua. Maori hapu and iwi should be given the confidence to participate. It is the only effective method to guarantee Maori representation. It provides an imaginative opportunity for justice. The major argument in support of the Proposal was that none of the Council s existing 11 seats are occupied by Maori, despite strong Maori population in the Bay of Plenty. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

22 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ The Arguments Against the Proposal P.O. Box 413, Tauranga Those who were against the proposal said: There is nothing to stop Maori standing for Regional Council. Councillors should stand on their own merits. The basis of democracy will be undermined. New Zealanders should be treated equally. The present system seems fair and democratic. It will create another area of conflict. We are one land and one people. We want to keep the costs of local government down. It will promote separateness; will lead to apartheid. The proposal is racist and extra-ordinarily divisive. Considerations Although one of the people who had opposed the Proposal in his written submission, on the basis that it was undemocratic, actually withdrew from the opportunity to be heard when he heard of the number of submissions which favoured the proposal he declared that he must remain true to his democratic principles I do not accept the results of the consultation process in that way. I suggest that the number of people who indicated their support for the Proposal cannot be taken as an indication of what might happen if there was a referendum on the matter. It cannot be regarded as a mandate. So in evaluating the Proposal I prefer to disregard the numbers, and instead to look to the constitutional issues. They are of prime importance in my view in considering whether or not the Proposal should be promoted. Democracy The overriding view of those submissions received against the Proposal criticise it as being undemocratic. Their views are probably encapsulated in the words of the Member of Parliament for Tauranga who is reported as having said: If Maori, or for that matter women or farmers, want their representatives on the council then they should vote for them. That is called democracy. People should be elected to representative positions on merit, not race. Why would you want to change the normal democratic process, particularly when as a result of that process, in the past, Maori representatives have been elected? Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

23 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ P.O. Box 413, Tauranga A cynic may regard that statement as ironic, coming from the Leader of New Zealand First which achieved its position within the governing coalition by taking on General seat and the five Maori seats, but democracy is far more important than that. I found it difficult to get any of the people who presented submissions against the Proposal to define what they meant by Democracy, but if one is to define it as: Government by the people; that form of government in which the sovereign power resides in the people as a whole, and is exercised either directly by them or by officers elected by them. as it is in the Oxford English Dictionary, then it is difficult to see how 3 Maori representatives out of a total of 12 members on the Regional Council can be undemocratic, when 28% of the population in the Bay of Plenty are Maori. It has been suggested that if a Maori constituency is to be established, then a similar provision should be made for the Forest and Bird Society, or the Institute of Surveyors and Engineers, or any other group, which has a direct interest in the environment and its management. But none of these groups comprise 28%, and more, of the population; nor do they have solemn treaty obligations with the Crown. It seems to me that however we regard Democracy personally, the Council in considering the Proposal ought to be guided by the fact that since 1867 the delivery of democratic government in New Zealand has been effected by a system in which there have been Maori electorates, and seats in the House of Representatives reserved specifically for people who enrol on the Maori roll. I suggest that Council must further be persuasively guided by the fact that this situation was reviewed in 1986, by a Royal Commission, the Royal Commission on the Electoral System, and that it regarded the Maoris seats as an important symbol to Maori people of their special status as the indigenous people of New Zealand. Far from recommending the abolition of those Maori seats, the Royal Commission considered that four seats were inadequate to ensure proper Maori representation. The Commission said:- Although they were not set up for this purpose, the Maori seats have nevertheless come to be regarded by Maori as an important concession to, and the principal expression of, their constitutional position under the Treaty of Waitangi. To many Maori, the seats are also a base for the continuing search for more appropriate constitutional and political forms through which Maori rights (mana Maori in particular) might be given effect. It is because of this that many Maori who opt to go on to the General roll continue to support the retention of the Maori seats. It is in this context that Maori views concerning the seats should be understood. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

24 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ P.O. Box 413, Tauranga and it then continued:- These principles constitute what we believe to be the conditions under which an important minority reasonably expect to enjoy a just and equitable share of political power and influence in a decision-making system which is subject to the majority principle and over which the political parties hold sway. These statements, made by a Royal Commission of Inquiry, eloquently summarise the submissions of the people of the Bay of Plenty who favour of the Proposal, and in 1993 they became part of the electoral law of New Zealand. Section 45 of the Electoral Act 1993 provides for Maori Electoral Districts to be established in order to provide just representation for Maori people on the basis of the proportion which the Maori population bears to the general population of this country. As a result, there are currently 5 Maori seats; in the next election there will be 6. This must be seen as Parliament s declaration concerning the way in which democracy is to be delivered in New Zealand. The Proposal under consideration appears to be in total conformity with that declaration, and may therefore be regarded as constitutionally sound and democratic. It is in accordance with New Zealand constitutional principles and law, and in conformity with a Royal Commission of Inquiry on the topic. It is the way people are elected to the House of Representatives in this country. To put it another way, Maori in this country are accorded specific rights to elect their own Members of Parliament; that system of representation and democracy has recently been reviewed. On that review it was decided not only to retain the system as an integral part of New Zealand s democratic process, but it was in fact extended from four to five seats so as to have a greater regard to the proportion of the Maori population bears to others in the New Zealand electorate. And it is to be further extended at the forthcoming election. Separatism Another argument against the Proposal, was the would lead to separatism, or apartheid. That view is not shared by Maori. They say the implementing of the Proposal would in fact heal the wounds of separatism; it would emphasise the concepts of partnership and of proportional representation. It would get to the Council table people who were truly representative of the population at large, and once those representatives get to the Council table, they would become part of a team which would together work on the business of the Council. But if the Proposal is an illustration of separatism, then so must be the present system of election of representatives from within a ward, or an electorate. A Privileged Position for Maori Whilst the Proposal is based on the privileged position of Maori in New Zealand, it would give Maori no more voting power than the general population. Like everyone else, Maori will have only one vote. Those who elect to go on to the Maori roll are committed to voting on that roll, for one of the candidates offering themselves for election in their particular ward of the Maori Constituency. They are able to vote only for candidates offering themselves in that ward, and they have only one vote. Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)

25 CBE, KSS, LLB, MBS, FClArb (London), FAMINZ Single Transferable Vote (STV) System P.O. Box 413, Tauranga It was said that this system of election (STV) was a truly proportional representative method, which will achieve true representation for Maori, and it was suggested that the Council should wait until this system became established. You may consider that STV would achieve better representation for Maori but whether or not this system will be introduced, is a matter of conjecture at this stage, especially in the present political environment. The possibility of the introduction, and then the adoption of this system cannot, I suggest, be a reason to allow for the postponement of the recognition of Maori people s rights to direct representation in accordance with New Zealand s constitutional principles. It may be that STV or similar system may be affected later, but that is a matter for conjecture. Cost The cost of the Proposal is the subject of a separate paper from the General Manager. I merely wish it to be noted that I have been told that the cost of effecting the Proposal is likely to be small, relative to the annual turnover of the Council, such that cost may not be a major issue. Conclusions 1 For whatever reason, the fact is that in some places 16% of the population in the Bay of Plenty, and in others, up to 58% of that population, clearly perceive that they are unrepresented at the Council table. 2 Adoption of the Proposal would deliver to Maori the same voting rights as others. Their electoral rights would be no greater than those afforded to any other voter in the Region and I can see no way in which the Proposal would enable Maori to outvote the other members of the Regional Council as a block. The Proposal would in my view not disadvantage anyone. 3 The Proposal is in conformity with the delivery of the democratic process in New Zealand, and in conformity with New Zealand s constitutional principles. Recommendations I recommend that the Bay of Plenty Regional Council should continue to promote the establishment of a Maori Constituency in accordance with the Proposal under consideration. 6 August 1989 Chambers Residence Telephone (07) Telephone (07) Facsimile (07) Facsimile (07)