Special subcommittee reaching out to the people

A special subcommittee of the Auckland Governance Legislation Select Committee has been set up specifically to hear submissions from Maori on the Maori Seats and other issues with regards to the establishment of the new Auckland City Council.

Chaired by the Hon Tau Henare of National, the committee also includes Simon Bridges of National, the Maori Party’s Hone Harawira, and Labour’s Hon Shane Jones. Metiria Turei of the Green Party said she might also attend.

The Maori Committee will be hearing submissions at Orakei Marae at Takaparawha (Wed 8 July), Te Puea Marae in Mangere (Thu 9 July) and Hoani Waititi Marae in Glen Eden (Fri 10 July).

“This is the first time that a special Maori subcommittee has ever been established in this way,” said Mr Henare, “and we hope it won’t be the last.”

“We’ve got time for formal submissions (9am-12pm), and we’ve also set aside time for a more informal approach (1pm-5pm), to encourage as many Maori as possible to come and have their say about the most important changes to take place in Auckland local government in a generation,” said Mr Henare.

“We’ll be there next week. We’re keen to hear from the people. The rest is up to you,” said Mr Henare.