New Zealand First MP Shane Jones and ACT leader David Seymour have come out strongly against a proposal to create a 50-50 decision-making committee for the Waitākere Ranges, saying it would breach the coalition’s commitment to end co-governance of public services.
Jones warned, “We will not agree with any deed of acknowledgement that represents an ideological mustard seed that will morph into a template for co-governance,” arguing the proposal goes beyond what the Waitākere Ranges Heritage Act 2008 requires.
“A deed of acknowledgement doesn’t need a committee structure. It can just tick a few boxes, saying, ‘Yes, there are some historical associations, there are some midden heaps, some hangi pits’.”
Under the Auckland Council plan, a committee would be created with equal representation from West Auckland iwi Te Kawerau ā Maki and from the council and Crown. The council insists it is not co-governance, saying the deed simply acknowledges iwi ties without transferring decision-making power.
Seymour rejected that framing, saying the ranges belonged to all Aucklanders and should be managed democratically. “Auckland Council’s plan would see unelected decision-makers closing tracks and dictating land use in the surrounding rural areas,” he said.
Jones indicated NZ First may escalate the issue, warning, “Watch this space,” as the party considers a Private Members’ Bill to prevent the arrangement.
Council planning committee chair Richard Hills defended the proposal, arguing it stays within the law. “The deed of acknowledgement is not co-governance. Land ownership and decision-making for the Waitākere Ranges Regional Park stays with council, local boards, and DOC,” he said.
Consultation on the plan is now closed.
Centrist Ltd.