Iwi takeover over by stealth at Whanganui Council

We received almost unanimous support for our idea for a boycott of National membership until Christopher Luxon makes the Treaty Principles Bill a conscience vote. So, it is full steam ahead and we will be rolling out a social media campaign.

But, you may have noticed that we aren't shy of fighting on multiple fronts when necessary. So I will set aside Boycott for the Bill for a moment and direct your attention to a matter that is simmering away largely unnoticed in local government.

Long story short, a stealthy iwi takeover of Whanganui District Council is underway. 

Whanganui iwi and the Crown are currently negotiating a Treaty settlement and as part of it they want to embed several co-governance dynamics into the Whanganui District Council.

This would mean that co-governance would be locked into the council via legislation. So much for an end to co-governance!

Additionally, the 'relationship agreement' is set to include a large amount of land transferred to iwi and the establishment of a charitable trust run by iwi and council.

I know you're able to appreciate the significance and finality of these kinds of decisions and how important it is that we fight them before it is too late. Once settlements are finalised in legislation, it is all but impossible to unwind them.National especially likes to put things in Treaty settlements and then hold up their hands and say "can't change it now!"

Our friends over at Democracy Action say:

While Mayor Andrew Tripe and the council appear to be largely supportive of this initiative - what the mayor calls ‘a world-first indigenous-council partnership’ - the council is encouraging its citizens to have a say on the proposals.

Under the plan iwi would participate in decision-making in the joint management of lands, resources, and socio-economic strategies. If approved the proposals would bind future councils, future generations.

This is a matter of utmost importance to the people of Whanganui, but it is also a glaring red flag and warning siren for the rest of the country. If Whanganui iwi succeed in gaining this power, other iwi groups will attempt to obtain their own co-governance powers in similar ways. Council co-governance, coming to a town near you! 

What can we do?

Take part in the public consultation. And do it ASAP. Feedback closes on 2 February 2025.

Tell the council in the strongest terms (without getting disqualified due to profanities!) that you oppose local democracy being dismantled via central government legislation. The council has set up a short survey, but you can make comments.

That is the most important thing you can do☝️☝️☝️

The next thing is for Whanganui residents to contact their councillors.

This is an example of what you might like to say:

Dear Mayor/Councillor,

It has come to my attention that a proposed Treaty settlement with local iwi is set to embed co-governance into Whanganui District Council via legislation. As a local resident, I oppose this completely. Local democracy must be protected. I have provided feedback via the council website, but I wanted to make it clear to those who have been elected to represent us that I oppose co-governance in any form.

I seek your assurance that you are committed to local democracy and intend to protect equal representation and rights at Whanganui District Council. What will you do to ensure no Treaty settlement compromises democratic process?

I will not in good conscience be able to cast a vote at the upcoming local elections for any council candidate who supports co-governance being embedded in Whanganui District Council.

Regards,

[Your name]

Here are the email addresses:

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

[email protected]

For those not in Whanganui, you can focus your attention on contacting the relevant ministers:

Dear Prime Minister/Minister,

It has come to my attention that a proposed Treaty settlement with Whanganui iwi is set to embed co-governance in Whanganui District Council via legislation. 

I have been advised that should this go ahead iwi would participate in decision-making in the joint management of lands, resources, and socio-economic strategies. If approved the proposals would bind future councils, future generations.

I oppose this completely. Local democracy must be protected.

All three coalition partners promised an end to co-governance before and after the last general election. It was a key promise and a key issue for many voters.

If this Treaty settlement is passed with stealthy co-governance fish hooks snagging local government, it will be a huge betrayal of those who voted for this Government.

I seek your assurance that you are committed to democracy and intend to protect equal representation and rights throughout New Zealand including Whanganui District Council. What will you do to ensure no Treaty settlement compromises democratic processes?

I will not, in good conscience, be able to cast a vote at the upcoming local elections for any council candidate who supports co-governance being embedded in Whanganui District Council. Likewise, come next general election I will not vote for a party that promised to end co-governance and then went back on their word.

Regards,

[Your name]

Here are the email addresses:

Treaty Negotiations Minister Paul Goldsmith

NEW Local Government Minister Simon Watts

Prime Minister Christopher Luxon

ACT Leader David Seymour

New Zealand First Leader Winston Peters

Every single Hobson's Pledge supporter who gives feedback or contacts the people above makes a difference. Trust me, I know how tiresome it can be to send off submissions and emails to ministers and councillors. My best advice is to keep it short and simple. 

We appreciate your support as always.


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