M ÄO R I R E P R E S E N TAT I O N I N L O CAL GO VE R N M E N T advisory group of the community looking inward to the council. The Mäori committee, comprising both Mäori and general councillors, is able to discuss and mediate issues and bring them to the council, representing both perspectives. Iwi representatives generally do not see the need for a separate advisory group or forum, since Mäori are directly represented at the council table and they have good access to the Mäori committee through its practice of meeting on marae. Chief Executive Bill Bayfield notes: “I believe the arrangement in the Bay with three Mäori Councillors allows the Mäori committee to become the councillors’ link to iwi. We didn’t anticipate that when we set up the committee, but it has evolved into that role and done it very well.” The Mäori Policy Unit The Mäori Policy Unit is part of the council’s Strategy Development Group. It is led by Mäori Policy Manager Kataraina Belshaw and has three Mäori Policy Officers, based in Rotorua, Tauranga and Whakatane. The unit’s work includes: · assisting hapü and iwi to develop iwi resource management plans · providing advice to staff on Mäori engagement, iwi dynamics, Treaty settlements and national and local Mäori issues · supporting the Mäori standing committee · maintaining a Mäori contact directory · supporting hapü and iwi initiatives to help build capacity and capability (Environment Bay of Plenty (c), nd). 11