The Māori Standing Committee selection process is underway with whānau encouraged to put their names forward.

The Māori Standing Committee is one of six Wairoa District Council committees that has specific functions delegated to it by Council.

Its role is to advocate on behalf of tangata whenua to local, regional and national bodies and investigate and report to the Council on issues the committee considers necessary that may have an implication for tangata whenua.

Wairoa Mayor Craig Little said the Māori Standing Committee is a vital link between the community and elected members and it is important we get the right people around the table.

The tenure of the committee is triennial in line with the local government election.

A review of the committee’s terms of reference and COVID restrictions means the new appointments will only be until October 2022.

Hui-a-Takiwā (area meetings) will be held over the coming month to provide information about the role of Māori Standing Committee members and to encourage people to put their names forward.

The selection process will conclude at a hui at Taihoa Marae on December 13, with the final confirmation going to Council for a decision in February.

Confirmed hui-a-takiwā dates are: Māhia Mai Tawhiti Takiwā – Sunday, 8 November, 1.00 pm – Ruawharo Marae, Ōpoutama, Ruakituri Takiwā – Sunday, 22 November, 1.00 pm – Wairoa Taiwhenua (on behalf of Erepeti Marae), Rakaipaaka Takiwā – Thursday, 26 November, 10.00 am – Kahungunu Marae, Ngā Nuhaka.

Tentative dates: Pāhauwera Takiwā – Thursday, 19 November 10.00 am – Kurahikakawa Marae, Waihua; Te Wairoa Matangirau – Whaakirangi Marae; Te Wairoa Hōpūpū Takiwā – Wednesday, 25 November, 6.00 pm – Venue to be confirmed.

Still to be confirmed: Te Wairoa Hōnengenenge – Ruataniwha Marae, Waikaremoana – Te Kūhā Tarewa Marae.

11 November 2020

Back to Archive