South Wairarapa Mayor Alex Beijen says the council decided against establishing a Māori ward for the 2022 elections but would be discussing the possibility for the district in 2025.
A hīkoi through Martinborough on Thursday voiced concerns over South Wairarapa District Council s lack of a Māori ward.
Photo: LDR / Wairarapa Times Age / Marcus Anselm
Protesters halted work at the South Wairarapa District Council (SWDC) offices on Thursday as the deadline for establishing a Māori ward loomed.
Dozens of pro-ward activists debated with chief executive Harry Wilson inside the Martinborough headquarters for 20 minutes.
Beijen was not present, but SWDC did present a statement outlining that he was in favour of wards, but significant groundwork is still required before a fully informed report can be presented to council .
Iwi criticise South Wairarapa s lack of action on Māori wards
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Wairarapa water plan irks iwi
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A proposal currently sat with Wairarapa Water to extend the deadline for approval by at least two months. “We want our own people to go through it and determine the impacts.” The iwi referred to the United Nations mandate that indigenous peoples had the right to give free, prior and informed consent that may affect them or their territories.
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The proposed Wakamoekau Community Water Storage Scheme in north Wairarapa is designed to supply urban, industrial and agricultural needs. The Resource Management Act also dictates that the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands be recognised and provided for.