Central Hawke’s Bay District Council affirms decision to have Māori Wards

Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay District Council has voted to retain Māori Wards in a robust debate in an Extraordinary Meeting today.

“We have voted to affirm the historic decision we made in November for Tamatea Hawke’s Bay to retain a Māori Ward,” Mayor Alex Walker says.

The votes were five vote to retain, and four votes to rescind November’s decision for Māori Wards.

In favour: Mayor Alex Walker, Councillors Kelly Annand, Pip Burne, Kate Taylor, Exham Wichman

Against: Councillors Tim Aitken, Jerry Greer, Gerard Minehan and Brent Muggeridge

Democracy was on show around the council table today, Walker says.

“The decision around Māori Wards speaks to who we are, speaks to who our people are, speaks to who Tamatea Central Hawke’s Bay is as a community.”

“I am proud of our decision.  It is clear we need Mana Whenua to support the system to make this a community that thrives.”

A binding referendum must be held at the 2025 Local Government elections where the public will be able to decide whether they want to retain or rescind the Māori Ward.

Walker called for unity and respect within Central Hawke’s Bay as discussions are held moving towards the 2025 elections.

“This meeting was about listening and learning the viewpoints of this community.

“This was not a court proceeding, we are not here to judge whether people are right or wrong.  Everyone is right in this.

“Ultimately we all want what is best for Central Hawke’s Bay.”

5 September 2024

6 September 2024

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