IHI : Iwi Have Influence IHI is an Action Group opposed to a Super City without Maori representation.

IHI Submission to the Select Committee on Auckland Governance Legislation

No Supercity Without Us, No Supercity Without Maori!

This submission is representative of many iwi, hapu, whanau, Maori and non-Maori communities, residents of Tamaki and individuals throughout Aotearoa who have participated in the Tamaki Hikoi on 25 May 2009, Dawn Vigil Gatherings on Maungawhau on July 6^th-10^th, 2009 and a National Hui on “Maori and Local Government – Beyond the Supercity” on 4^th December 2009.We participate in this submission process knowing that our requests for genuine recognition of the interests of Mana Whenua and Maori representation at the governence level have been ignored. This Local Government (Auckland Law Reform) Bill demonstrates the short sightedness of this government in its lack of consideration of and commitment to Treaty based relationships between Mana Whenua, Maori and Local Government.

Mana Whenua are currently discussing with the Crown through the Treaty Settlements process, breaches of the Treaty of Waitangi and the injustices that iwi of Tamaki have experienced through legislation, local government policies, settlement of Auckland etc.

However, at the same time through the proposal of this bill, Mana Whenua are again relegated to the position of an advisory board, whereby the power still remains at the governance level where Mana Whenua have no guaranteed presence and no guarantee of being genuinely heard at the decision making table.

CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL SUBMISSION

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We want the Crown to honour its exisiting agreements with Tangata Whenua.

• To create better and more diverse representation in local government
• To protect mana whenua rights
• To protect the land, sea and people

IHI Action Group (Iwi Have Influence) was set up to organise Maori opposition to the proposal to establish a Super City without reserved Maori seats as proposed by the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Auckland Governance.

The aim of IHI is primarily to reverse the Crown’s decision ensuring there are at least 3 Maori seats.

IHI also aims to network with other community groups to promote a greater understanding of the consequences of the proposed Super City. IHI simply means power. It is the power of the people that can reverse the Crown’s decision.

IHI organised the Hikoi on 25 May 2009, organised submission writing in good faith that the Select Committee process would mean something – in light of Cabinet’s decision to deny Maori seats on the proposed Council we are  now considering the next step.

What can you do?

Watch this space – a range of strategies are currently being planned to address the Cabinet decision on 24/08/09 to deny Maori the three Council seats recommended by the Royal Commission for the proposed Auckland SuperCity.

Use your IHI (power) to influence all people around you to make Tamaki Makaurau – Auckland the diverse, inclusive, soulful and energetic city it can be.

• Order a Hikoi T-Shirt ($10 each).
• Telephone, visit or write to your MP and the Prime Minister: c/- Parliament Buildings, Wellington. (freepost) or email: firstname.lastname@parliament.govt.nz)
• Consider other options for affecting the positive change required and share them with us below.

Contact your IHI Area Coordinator/s to get involved:

 ihiactiongroup@gmail.com