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 The majority of us note that current provisions in the Local Electoral Act 2001 provide a mechanism by which the Auckland Council could seek to provide for Mäori representation. majority of Aucklanders, Mäori and tau iwi alike (ibid, p.29). However, the majority of us believe that the question of whether the existing legislation provides adequate opportunities for Mäori representation in local government is an issue of national significance, extending beyond Auckland. Resolving this issue should therefore be considered in that context rather than through this piece of legislation (Auckland Governance Legislation Committee Report on Local Government" (Auckland Council) Bill, 2009, p.9). The Mäori Party cannot support this bill as reported back from the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee, because it does not provide for Mäori representation in the governance structure of the proposed Auckland Council. Dissenting reports Labour, Green and Mäori Party select committee members presented minority reports, which stated: Labour Party Labour believes there should be Mäori seats on the new Auckland Council. Like Parliament itself and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council, these seats should be allocated on the basis of the number of Mäori on the Mäori roll… Under Labour’s plan, there would be at least two Mäori seats in Auckland. But it could be more. The number of Mäori seats will depend on how many Mäori there are on the Mäori roll in the Auckland region. The region itself still hasn’t been defined, and won’t be until 1 March 2010. Much will depend on the final boundaries. Also, Mäori are a young population, so demographics are in their favour. Labour will also be introducing further amendments to ensure statutory recognition of mana whenua in Auckland Council (ibid, p.23). Green Party The lack of provision for Mäori representation on the new council is an abrogation of our responsibilities within the Treaty relationship, and flies in the face of submissions made by a vast Mäori Party At the first reading of the bill, the Mäori Party raised a number of points in support of dedicated Mäori seats: that it was a specific recommendation of the Royal Commission on Auckland Governance; that it was consistent with current provisions in the Local Government Act 2002; and that dedicated Mäori seats uphold the partnership relationship established between Mäori and the Crown through the Treaty of Waitangi, including the partnership established with the mana whenua of the Auckland region. This position has been underscored by the public submissions received by the Auckland Governance Legislation Committee examining the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill, with the report noting that substantial support was received for reserved seats for Mäori. Flying in the face of this support, the committee has elected not to recommend that the bill provide for Mäori seats on the proposed Auckland Council. The Mäori Party is extremely disappointed with this decision. It calls into serious question the fundamental basis of the parliamentary democratic process that is to reflect decision-making “of the people, for the people”. The decision of the committee also calls into serious question the commitment and understanding it has for the Treaty of Waitangi. The result of their failure to uphold the nation’s constitutional foundations, current law and the wish of the people, will result in legislation that 25