Last chance to vote

Four passionate Māori candidates have put their names forward to be a Waipā district councillor, but they are struggling to get constituents to the polls.

When The News went to press only 176 people – 7.43 per cent – of the 2368 on the Waipā Māori electoral roll had voted.

At last year’s local body elections, with three days to go, nearly 14 per cent of the 2417 eligible voters had voted. A late rush then took that through to nearly 23 per cent – 548 votes – 309 of which were cast for Te Awamutu lawyer Takena Stirling.

It was his resignation, prompted by his suspension from practice, which resulted in the by election.

Voting closes at noon Friday and boxes are available in Te Awamutu and Cambridge – postal voting is no longer an option.

The four candidates are different enough to offer a choice for voters.

Bill Harris describes himself as a strong and informed spokesperson at the council table through his experience as one of the district’s Kanohi representatives.

Gaylene Roberts says she wants to promote economic development initiatives that “empower” Māori entrepreneurs and create job opportunities.

Dale-Maree Morgan says Māori had little or no trust in council processes but that she as a younger candidate could connect with all whānau, from kaumatua to rangatahi.

Barney Manaia says Māori told him they felt unvalued in the past. The seat on council was an opportunity to unify a collective Māori voice that would work with other leading voices to achieve great outcomes.

The drive to get Māori wards across the line in district councils was a long one – and Waipā was one of several to make the call in 2021 amid much fanfare from The News.

Māori voices at local government level had become progressively quieter because of a lack of confidence and connection with Māori communities, The News argued.

And a largely European council agreed, voting to establish a Māori ward amid some antagonistic voices in the community.

Māori wards provide a direct way for Māori to contribute to decision-making and have representation at council. In the absence of Māori being elected as general ward representatives, the ward guarantees Māori representation.

Where to vote before noon Friday 23 June:

• Waipā District Council offices in Te Awamutu and Cambridge
• Te Awamutu Library
• Countdown Te Awamutu
• Fresh Choice Leamington
• Fresh Choice Te Awamutu.