Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Ngai Tahu supports commissioners staying on

Updated at 6:40 am on 10 September 2012

Ngai Tahu is supporting a move for Canterbury Regional Council to continue being run by government-appointed officials.

Elections were to resume in 2013 but legislation was tabled in Parliament on Friday deferring them for another three years.

Commissioners were appointed to manage the council in 2010 following a critical external report on the way the council was run.

The South Island tribe believes they are doing a good job.

Its kaiwhakahaere (chairman) Mark Solomon says the officials have played a significant role in dealing with issues important to the tribe - particularly the environmental health of land and water.

Mr Solomon says Ngai Tahu will will continue to work with the commissioners, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority and mayors to help the region rebuild following the earthquakes.

Local Government Minister David Carter says a ministerial review will be held in 2014, in time for the 2016 local body elections.

Copyright © 2012, Radio New Zealand