Photo: Taranaki Regional Council
An internal review has condemned the Taranaki Regional Council's handling of its decision not to make a submission on the Treaty Principles Bill and not to debate the matter.
It found the December 2024 decision-making process inconsistent with standing orders, meeting protocols and broader principles of good governance, transparency and natural justice.
There was evidence of pre-meeting discussion and agreement among councillors to oppose making a submission and to curtail debate, which contributed to a perception of predetermination and bias.
The handling of a related deputation by New Plymouth District councillor Dinnie Moeahu also fell short of the expected standard of engagement and caused offence.
Dinnie Moeahu Photo: Supplied
Chief executive Steve Ruru undertook the Council Conduct Review which made a raft of recommendations to improve decision-making and rebuild trust with iwi.
He found the consequences of the December 2024 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".
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."
Ruru's 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 recommended 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 recommended structured training around standing orders and meeting procedures, to ensure these were clear and consistently applied.
Ruru said the tight timeframe for submitting on the Bill meant it could not go before the Policy and Planning Committee first as it usually would.
His report said the draft submission should have instead been emailed to committee members for comment - even though that might not have changed the outcome.
It also recommended the council make 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.
Ruru said his focus was now firmly on the future and the start of a new triennium after October's election was 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."
Ruru wanted to report to the new council on options for allowing greater public input at meetings.
