Ngai Tahu Representation on ECan

Submissions due by 2 February – Submit here

This Bill before Parliament is to enable Ngai Tahu as mana whenua in the area, to elect two ECan Councillors using their own processes, to sit around the Environment Canterbury governance table. A similar Bill failed in the last sitting of Parliament because NZ First did not support it and although local National Party MP Nuk Korako said he supported the Bill, the National Party voted against it. The Green Party has supported the Bill both times.

In the interim ECan has had the benefit of the skills of Yvette Couch-Lewis and Iaean Cranwell as Tumu Taiao – Mana Whenua Experts on Council. The Local Government Act 2002 does not allow the Tumu Taiao to have Councillor decision-making powers to vote at Council meetings, but they support the opportunity for better decision-making outcomes for mana whenua and for Environment Canterbury.\

This Bill puts into effect a process by which Ngai Tahu representation can continue with voting rights the same as other elected Councillors.

Will you make a short submission?

This is Rosemary Neave’s submission – please use your own words for yours:

I am Pakeha resident in Christchurch actively engaged in regional and local government in the region. I am not an elected member, but actively engage with elected members and support local democracy, and commitment to Te Tiriti and extending the role of mana whenua in decision making.

I support this Bill in it’s entirety.

Until we have a fuller review of Local Government and strengthen relationships with mana whenua through that mechanism, this Bill enables the important voice of mana whenua around the ECan table in the meantime.

Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu response to the Bill

The response is in support of the Bill, reiterating the following key messages:

The Bill recognises Tiriti partnership at the regional level by allowing Te Rūnanga to appoint up to two Environment Canterbury Council members through an appointment process determined by Te Rūnanga.
The Bill advances recognition of Ngāi Tahu rangatiratanga and kaitiakitanga in the Canterbury region by reinstating direct Ngāi Tahu representation on the Council.
The Bill must enable Ngāi Tahu-appointed Council members to be remunerated in line with elected Council members.

Please note that the response remains a working draft. We welcome your feedback and comments by 10am Monday 31 January 2022. We appreciate this is a busy time of year and acknowledge the tight timeframe in which we are seeking feedback.