Ngā Iwi o Taranaki have confirmed four of their six representatives for appointment to Taranaki Regional Council’s two main standing committees.
Peter Moeahu will remain on the Policy and Planning Committee for another three years. He will be joined by Emily Bailey and Mitchell Ritai, who represented iwi on the Consents and Regulatory Committee last term.
Newcomer Dion Luke will sit on the Consents and Regulatory Committee along with two other iwi representatives, to be nominated in the near future.
Iwi representatives first joined the standing committees in 2016, as part of the region’s Treaty of Waitangi settlements.
Newly elected Council chairperson Charlotte Littlewood says they had brought a unique perspective to the table, which benefitted the entire region.
“We have seen just how valuable that iwi perspective is to ensure robust discussions and effective, collaborative decision-making.
“It’s great that three of the previous representatives have chosen to return, while we look forward to the fresh ideas the new appointees will bring.”
The nominated iwi representatives have been endorsed by the eight iwi in the region representing the three Taranaki waka - Aotea, Kurahaupō and Tokomaru.
Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa Chair Liana Poutu says the representatives play an important role, allowing for greater iwi input into the Council’s processes.
New councillor Bonita Bigham was an iwi representative on the Policy and Planning Committee last term. She was elected unopposed in the newly created Taranaki Māori Constituency in this month’s election.
The first meetings of the Planning and Policy Committee and Consents and Regulatory Committee are on 22 November. Agendas will be available on the Council website three working days in advance.