A raft of recommendations have been made to help the incoming Taranaki Regional Council improve its decision-making processes and rebuild trust with iwi and the wider community.
Council Chief Executive Steve Ruru has released his report following a review into the elected Council’s December 2024 decision not to lodge a submission on the Principles of the Treaty of Waitangi Bill (the Bill) and not to have a debate on the matter.
The Council Conduct Review Report concluded that decision-making process had been inconsistent with Council standing orders, established meeting protocols and the broader principles of good governance, transparency and natural justice.
It found evidence of pre-meeting discussion and agreement among most of the councillors to oppose making a submission against the Bill and to curtail debate, which contributed to a perception of predetermination and bias.
The handling of a related deputation by Dinnie Moeahu also fell short of the expected standard of engagement and caused offence.
The report states the consequences of the December meeting were severe, as it damaged the Council’s reputation, resulted in a loss of trust and confidence in the elected Council from iwi partners and strained internal relationships.
Mr Ruru says the review looked at what happened before, during and after the meeting as well as the surrounding circumstances and processes.
Important lessons have been learned and the report includes several key recommendations that the Council will consider at its 5 August meeting.
Firstly, it endorses the decision the Council made in February to apologise to Mr Moeahu, the Taranaki community and councillors who were denied the opportunity to speak.
It recommends training and professional development for councillors on Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its application to the Council’s work, mātauranga Māori and tikanga of iwi in Taranaki. It also recommends structured training around standing orders and meeting procedures, to ensure these are clear and consistently applied.
The tight time frame for submitting on the Bill meant it could not go before the Policy and Planning Committee first as it usually would. The report acknowledges the draft submission should have instead been emailed to Committee members for comment – even though that may not have changed the outcome. It also recommends the Council makes greater use of additional meetings outside the set meeting cycle where necessary.
Transparency and public input were also areas for improvement with a recommendation that all Council and committee meetings be held in venues where they can be livestreamed and recorded. Mr Ruru also suggested he reports to the new Council on options for allowing greater public input at meetings.
Mr Ruru says his focus is now firmly on the future and the start of a new triennium after October’s election is an opportunity for a fresh start.
“I have recommended practical steps for the incoming Council to consider as well as learning opportunities for councillors. I have also looked at where Council officers and I can provide more support and advice to elected members.
“When councillors meet after the election, they have the opportunity to implement better procedures, increase their understanding of Treaty and iwi issues and start the mahi to repair relationships and regain the full confidence of our community.”
Council chair Craig Williamson welcomed the recommendations in the report.
“It has been a challenging period for everyone and as a Council we have taken time to reflect on what happened and how we can be better moving forward.
“This review has identified constructive ways we can do that, and I am confident the Council will be stronger as a result.”
Read the full report here(external link).