LGOIMA Request Details: LG2000

​LGOIMA 2000 Response

In response to your LGOIMA Request, please see the answers to your questions below.

1. Why Maori are not elected on merit like everyone else?

The change made to the Local Electoral Act provides for Māori representation in local government. The Government acknowledged the importance of having diversity around the council table and this change to the Act forms a part of the Government's commitment to working to honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

2. How much will this cost the ratepayers?

There is minimal cost to the ratepayers from the Council undertaking a Representation Review, and this is a process that must be undertaken at least once every six years. The budget set aside in the 10 Year Plan for undertaking a Representation Review is approximately $4,000.

3. How much consultation is already going on with Maori?

Several pieces of New Zealand legislation require Councils to engage with Māori and to involve Māori in decision-making processes. The Council has an ongoing commitment to engage well with Māori and places value on working in partnership with Māori when making decisions for the Manawatū district.

4. How much time and money will be used up for further consultation with Maori (plus time spent on Maori protocol)?

The requirements for working in partnership and engaging well with Māori are factored in at the planning stages in Council's work programmes, as are the resources expected to be needed for this. To provide a breakdown of this information would require a significant amount of officer time, for which an hourly rate of $44.00 for each subsequent half hour (after the first hour) or part thereof, as per the fees and charges would be payable. Please advise if you would be happy to pay for the supply of that information.