Democracy, Partnership, and Progress - Ngā Mānukanuka o Te Iwi Reinstated
At 9:30am on Thursday 11 December, the Napier War Memorial Hall was filled to capacity as more than one hundred mana whenua, marae representatives, whānau, hapū and iwi organisations gathered to witness the council debate the future of Ngā Mānukanuka o Te Iwi (NMOTI). The council considered the approval of its committees, subcommittees, and panel terms of reference, which included a motion proposed by Cr Shyann Raihania and Deputy Mayor Sally Crown with the following key amendments:
Retain NMOTI appointments on all standing committees as specialist, voting members with full speaking rights;
Note the Council’s obligations under LGA ss 4, 14 and 81 to maintain processes that enable Māori participation in decision-making;
Request the Mayor to engage with NMOTI members as mandated mana whenua representatives and return with a revised Terms of Reference, including options analysis and legal advice.
The chamber was packed with mana whenua and community supporters, signalling the importance of the kaupapa. After robust discussion, councillors voted by majority to reinstate NMOTI in line with the resolution. This decision upholds both the intent of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and the rightful place of mana whenua in shaping the decisions that impact our whenua, moana, taiao, and communities. Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotū sincerely thanks the councillors who stood firmly for partnership and integrity: Cr Whare Isaac-Sharland, Cr Shyann Raihania, Cr Ronda Chrystal, Cr Keith Price, Deputy Mayor Sally Crown, and Cr Graeme Taylor.
Voting against the reinstatement were Mayor Richard McGrath, Cr Nigel Simpson, Cr Craig Morley, and Cr Roger Brownlie. Abstaining were Cr Greg “Grego” Mawson and Cr Te Kira Lawrence. While those votes were disappointing to many, the final result reflected a clear mandate from councillors who understand the importance of genuine, Treaty-grounded partnership with Māori.
What This Decision Really Means
Earlier this week, Cr Shyann Raihania articulated a critical truth: “When councils mistake Māori Ward seats as ‘coverage’ for Māori interests, they risk erasing the constitutional status of mana whenua, weakening Treaty partnership, and reducing indigenous voice to a single electoral mechanism. Māori wards increase representation; they do not replace the right of mana whenua to sit at the table as equal partners in decision-making.”
Her leadership - together with Deputy Mayor Sally Crown - was central to the successful amendment that reinstated NMOTI and reaffirmed the council’s obligations under the Local Government Act to maintain processes that enable Māori participation in decision-making.
Despite Mayor McGrath’s refusal to allow mana whenua representatives to speak during the public forum, the presence of more than one hundred iwi members in the room spoke louder than any words could. Their collective stance showed unwavering commitment to protecting mana whenua roles in shaping the future of Ahuriri-Napier.
Te Taiwhenua Chair Hori Reti welcomed the decision, calling it “a positive step forward for the new Napier City Council.” He noted that the outcome restores confidence among mana whenua, reinforcing that their expertise, cultural insight, and deep understanding of the issues facing our city are valued. Hori also emphasised that Te Taiwhenua looks forward to strengthening its relationship with the council - including Mayor Richard McGrath - as partners in the wellbeing of the city.
Local iwi leadership, including Hori Reti, will meet with the Mayor to continue discussions on how to uphold and strengthen this partnership following today’s outcome.
A Community and a Partnership Proven Over Time
For nearly 40 years, Te Taiwhenua o Te Whanganui a Orotū has been a trusted partner to Napier - working alongside the city through civil defence emergencies, community recovery, environmental restoration, homelessness responses, and marae resilience planning. Today’s vote strengthens that relationship, ensuring mana whenua continue to have a meaningful role in the governance processes that affect the land and people of this region.
Napier demonstrated today that true democracy includes all voices — especially those whose connection to this land is oldest and deepest. The reinstatement of Ngā Mānukanuka o Te Iwi marks not only a restoration of partnership but a reaffirmation of shared values and a commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive future for Ahuriri-Napier.