Iwi chairs on the West Coast say Poutini Ngāi Tahu runanga were not involved in a recent health study that found instances of racism in the region.
Ngati Waewae chairman Francois Tumahai Photo: LDR
The study, presented to the West Coast District Health Board advisory committee this month, canvassed the views of 18 whānau groups across the Coast who reported discrimination in their daily lives and encounters with health and social services.
In a joint statement today, Poutini Ngāi Tahu did not deny that racism existed on the Coast, nor did they deny the experiences of whānau who were interviewed.
However, Ngāti Waewae chairman Francois Tumahai and Ngāti Mahaki chairman Paul Madgwick said it was unfortunate that manawhenua had not been formally involved in the proper way.
"We have many examples of positive working relationships, here manawhenua are embraced and welcomed into governance forums, education and well-being initiatives, discussions and decision making which are seeing outcomes for the entire community, including improving the inequalities of our people."
Poutini Ngāi Tahu had been the first iwi in the country to enter a formal partnership with a council when it signed the Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement with the West Coast Regional Council last year, they said.
"Both Poutini runanga are also fully represented on the Westland, Grey and Buller district councils, each of which have signed MOUs with Poutini Ngāi Tahu recognising our tino rangatiratanga."
* Disclosure: Paul Madgwick is the editor of the Greymouth Star, which employs the West Coast LDR. He took no part in the commissioning, writing or editing of this LDR story.
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