11 Jul 2009

Maori won't be second class citizens under super-city

6:06 am on 11 July 2009

Urban Maori authorities have told a Parliamentary committee they won't put up with being second class citizens when it comes to Auckland governance.

Te Whanau o Waipareira and Manukau Urban Maori Authority made a submission to a subcommittee of the Auckland Governance Select Committee at Hoani Waititi Marae on Friday.

Waatea News reports they were questioned about a plan put to the committee on Thursday by Tainui for mana whenua iwi to appoint councillors to an Auckland super- city council.

Waipareira chief executive John Tamihere said Maori interest needs to be reflected in every layer of the new council.