Super city plans leave Maori Party unhappy

Tini Molyneux

Published: 6:29PM Tuesday April 07, 2009 Source: ONE News

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The government has unveiled its plan for a new super city but the largest multicultural city has no room for Maori representation on its new super council and that put the National Party and the Maori Party at logger heads.

The Maori Party are among others who are left deeply unhappy by the new plan.

Co-leader Pita Sharples is disassociating himself from the rest of cabinet after it rejected plans to reserve three of the new city council seats for Maori.

The city has the largest Maori and Polynesian population and both ethnic groups have played a huge part in showcasing that diversity to other countries.

But still there is no room for either on the government's new super council.

"It needs more work, the cabinet has asked for a fuller report on how an iwi advisory board, an advisory board for other ethnic representation would work for the benefit of Auckland," says Rodney Hyde, Local Government Minister.

The decision doesn't sit well with the Maori Party.

"It's insulting what is happening, the fact that we don't count, here we go again when it comes to having a real voice we are shoved off," says Sharples.

That is a sentiment echoed by local iwi who worked with the royal commission and were happy when it supported dedicated Maori councillors for Auckland.

"It's a sign that the government hasn't matured to a sufficient level to recognise Maori. That's a patronising way of recognising the voices of Maori and pacific island people," says Tuku Morgan, Tainui Chair.

Ngati Whatua has had a long association with the council and it say's the government hasn't heard the last of this.

"Obviously disappointed but regardless of what the government or any other government says we are Ngati Whatua, we are mana whenua and we will not be going away," says Naida Glavish, Ngati Whatua Chair.

They say without reserved seats there is no way Maori will be represented at the top of the new Auckland super city.

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