As Local Democracy Reporting begins a new chapter, here's a look at some of the best stories and their impact since the project's inception in October 2019.
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Ōpōtiki councillor Louis Rapihana says he will withdraw a letter he sent to Meng Foon, Race Relations Commissioner (pictured)
A Maori councillor is withdrawing his complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner over an “insulting” Grey Power newsletter ahead of a meeting with its author. Ōpōtiki District councillor Louis Rapihana submitted a complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon about the newsletter in which Siva Panadam suggested Mr Rapihana could not speak English after he gave a closing karakia in te reo Māori at a meeting late last year. However, he is now withdrawing that complaint after hearing through mutual friend, and Bay of Plenty regional councillor Toi Kai Rākau Iti, that Ms Panadam had stepped back from her comments and now wanted to meet in person to come to a resolution together.
Ōpōtiki councillor will withdraw Race Relations complaint
22 Jan, 2021 01:00 AM
4 minutes to read Councillor Louis Rapihana. Photo / File
Rotorua Daily Post
By: Charlotte Jones, Local Democracy Reporter
A Māori councillor is withdrawing his complaint to the Race Relations Commissioner over an insulting Grey Power newsletter ahead of a meeting with its author.
Ōpōtiki district councillor Louis Rapihana submitted a complaint to Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon about the newsletter in which Whakatāne Grey Power committee member Siva Panadam suggested Rapihana could not speak English after he gave a closing karakia in te reo Māori at a meeting late last year.