Auckland’s ‘monster’ Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB)

A petition to abolish Auckland’s Independent Maori Statutory Board (IMSB) was launched in early 2017 after Revenue Minister Judith Collins called it an “unaccountable monster”. How could a council body become so troublesome?
A brief look back at how the architects of the Auckland Council, and the Auckland Council itself, have handled their obligations to enable Maori representation, suggests that the Maori board is both a statutory body looking for a purpose and another half-baked idea from central government.
First, bear in mind that only 152,000 Maori live in Auckland, a city with a population of 1.4 million, according to the 2013 census. Around 85 percent of Maori living there are from outside the city with many ambivalent about tribal affiliation.
Maori representation in Auckland became controversial in 2009, as central government worked on transforming Auckland’s seven district authorities and one regional authority into a super city.
https://www.hobsonspledge.nz/auckland_s_monster_maori_board

Popular posts from this blog

Te Rauparaha Sacked Kaikai-a-waro (Kaiapoi Pa) 1831

In 1700, a great migration of the Ngai Tahu came down from the North Island, under Chief Tu Rakautohi. In celebration, his little brother Moki, built a Pa which Tu Rakautohi named Kaikai-a-waro. We now call this surrounding area Kaiapoi. It was soon regarded as the largest and safest stronghold of the Ngai Tahu in the South Island. The population reached 1000 people at the time history began to be recorded. In 1828, Ngati Toa Chief, Te Rauparaha appeared at the Kaitangata Gate of the Pa, claiming to be a greenstone trader. With him were 8 fellow tribesmen of Ngati Toa. Seeing that the Pa’s of Kaikoura and Omihi had just been attacked, those of the Kaiapoi Pa were naturally weary of strangers. After what could have been a few awkward moments, the Ngai Tahu suddenly welcomed the party into the Pa. https://www.peelingbackhistory.co.nz/te-rauparaha-sacked-kaikai-a-waro-kaiapoi-pa-1831/
Read more

Sir Apirana Ngata’s Speech at the Centennial of the Treaty of Waitangi, 1940

Sir Apirana Ngata (Ngati Porou) delivered a strong message to Pakeha New Zealand 75 years ago this Friday, when he spoke at the 1940 Treaty Centennial celebrations at Waitangi. The original recording of his speech, outlining Maori grievances and calling for greater Pakeha understanding, is held in the radio collection of Nga Taonga Sound & Vision. The 1940 centenary marked 100 years since the signing of the Treaty and despite taking place in the midst of World War II, it was celebrated by events around the country, including the Centennial Exhibition in Wellington. Sir Apirana Ngata speech 5.40 min recorded mark; ‘What is there in the treaty that the Maori can, celebrate whole heartedly with you. Let me say one thing, throughout the treaty, Maori handed over the mana and sovereignty of New Zealand to Queen Victoria and her descendants forever. That is the outstanding fact today, but if it not for the seal of sovereignty handed over to her Majesty and her descendants, I doubt whethe...
Read more