My Account
The Hauraki Gulf Forum has agreed to lobby for a change in the legislation that governs it, but the decision was far from unanimous.
The forum was told at its meeting on February 28 that legislative change was needed to deliver two outcomes – a long-term statutory vision and strategy, which would have greater influence on decision-makers, and a refreshed composition of the forum, with refreshed functions, powers and budget.
The vote on whether or not to support the proposal was split – 11 members voted for the proposal, seven voted against and three abstained.
A report titled Proposed Advocacy Position stated that the forum was operating on a shoestring budget and described the functions of the forum as “broad and overly prescriptive”. It said that in the 22 years since it was set-up, it was fair to say the original design of the forum had been found wanting, particularly in respect of the Marine Park itself.
The proposal went on to say the forum’s ability to engage in statutory decision-making processes, unless requested, had rendered it absent at key moments.
Author of the proposal and executive officer of the Hauraki Gulf Forum, Alex Rogers, told the forum that the change proposed was a “once in a generation” shot.
He said that the forum had discussed an update to the Act for the better part of a decade with three external reviews in the past seven years. The Act had been repeatedly called ineffective and internally inconsistent, he said.
However, the debate largely focused on the issue of co-governance with mana whenua. The forum currently has 12 elected representatives of local councils, three Government representatives and six tangata whenua. Under the proposal, this would change to an equal number of mana whenua and council/government representatives.
Some forum members felt the forum needed elected members “for accountability and democracy’s sake”.
Waikato District Council’s Cr Rob McGuire was concerned by the lack of representation from around the Gulf.
“My council won’t be there in the new scenario; I’m very concerned where we’re heading with this,” McGuire said.
In response, Rogers said the proposal was not that specific.
“We want to leave that flexibility to Ministers. I wouldn’t want you to feel like your representation is gone,” Rogers said.
Rogers did not detail the composition of the forum in his proposal aside from the equal partnership between officials and mana whenua.
Albany Ward Cr Wayne Walker feared the forum’s new position could result in the government taking over the forum.
“When the forum was created, it was done with the idea of having decision-makers on the forum,” Cr Walker said.
Rogers said that the forum was not an elected body.
“It’s an appointed body,” he said.
Co-chair Pippa Coom said the proposal had been the subject of a deliberate misinformation campaign, which she hoped members could see through.
Thames-Coromandel Mayor Sandra Goudie said leadership by the co-chairs – Pippa Coom and Nicola MacDonald – had been ineffective and she was concerned with the lack of action from the forum.
Tangata whenua Mook Hohneck defended the co-chairs.
“How dare you run them down,” he said. “Two years ago, you couldn’t get tangata whenua to come to the table.
“There is a definite undercurrent that you do not want Māori to be an equal partner.
“Māori have been advocates of conservation long before the forum came along.”
Tangata whenua Charmaine Bailie acknowledged the work the forum had achieved, but said change was necessary.
Bailie said, “Mana whenua are well aware of what it is to have a diminished voice.”
The controversial nature of the proposal means any amendments to the Act by Central Government will involve public submissions.
