Auckland University's
School of Architecture and Planning Lecture Series,
Communiqué continues in 2010, with Rau Hoskins and Lena Henry speaking on Tuesday 16th March.
Their lecture is titled 'Māori and the Future of Local Government', and will critically address Auckland's political governance, in light of the National and ACT led governments decision to reject recommendations made last year in a Royal Commission (originally initiated by the Labour Government in 2007), that there be reserved Maori representation written in to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill.
Lena Henry (Ngati Hine, Ngapuhi, Te Rarawa), Lecturer, School of Architecture and Planning, The University of Auckland; and Rau Hoskins (Ngapuhi, Ngati Wai, Ngati Hau, Ngati Rahiri), Lecturer, Maori Architecture, Unitec, and Director of
Design Tribe architects, will speak together on the issue in a free and public presentation at the Design Theatre, Conference Centre, Building 423, 22 Symonds Street, Auckland, starting at 12:00pm next Tuesday 16th March.
Communiqué correspondence elaborates on their lecture: "Originally, a review of Auckland Governance inspired hope and enthusiasm for the establishment of a single, region-wide unitary authority to overcome fragmentation and lead to more effective governance. As the process draws to its conclusion, communities feel a sense of reinforced disempowerment. Local governance in Aotearoa New Zealand has developed with little regard to the indigenous political structures and values of iwi and hapū. Manawhenua of Tamaki, Iwi, hapū and Tangata Tiriti are committed to the kaupapa of establishing Māori seats in Local Government."
This is a massively significant issue facing Auckland's political and cultural future, and the public involvement of these active practitioners, teachers, and community members should be supported duly.
More information here.
Image credit: Auckland “Super City” Dawn Vigil, summit of Maungawhau/Mt Eden, photo by Helen Te Hira.