Sign In / Register
A decision by Kaipara District Council to publish two separate versions of its annual plan English and te reo Māori prompted debate during a late July meeting in both.
In a presentation to elected members, community member Caren Davis argued in favour of bilingual rather than separate council documents, expressing what she described as concern in the community “about this council’s approach to things Māori”.
The issue emerged at a briefing in early June, when councillors considered the draft annual plan. A memo from staff said the document would be published in an English version, and a separate one “with more of a focus on reo Māori”.
Davis said a single bilingual document – with the two languages sitting alongside each other would be preferable, because many Māori could not read te reo, having lost the language “through no fault of their own”.
She said being confronted by documents solely in te reo alienated people in that position and brought a lot of shame, since they were unable to engage with them, and so would resort to reading the English-only version.
“I would encourage one document that is reflective of the partnership of our people rather than a separatist approach,” Davis said.
“I’m seeing a real theme in the decisions you are making, and it has me concerned once again that you are not here to represent and listen to all Kaipara residents, nor interested in listening to and consulting properly with your iwi stakeholders – that you may just be interested in hearing from those who think the same as you.”
Mayor Craig Jepson said that as leader of the district, he represented everybody in it, including Māori.
He said he has received feedback that council documents should be made easier to read.
“They are large documents and there is a demand that they be simpler to read,” he said. “And I think that you should embrace this, rather than use it as an opportunity to feel offended.”
“I’m not offended,” Davis responded. “I’m concerned.”
Jepson said the council has been listening, and would continue to consult with iwi on the issue.
