Maori macrons PC gone mad, says councillor

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An attempt to stop Kapiti Coast District Council using macrons in local Maori placenames has sparked an outcry at a council meeting.

Councillor Tony Jack put forward a notice of motion that the council refrain from using macrons in the spelling of Kapiti, Otaki or Paekakariki in any council papers, publications, maps or signage.

The motion was strongly opposed by most councillors and labelled "offensive" and "disrespectful" by the sole Maori representative at last week's meeting, Andre Baker, who was supported by two Maori women who burst into song.

The council starting using macrons – small lines above vowels to indicate a lengthening of the sound – in the spelling of the three placenames about a year ago. Mr Jack wanted the practice to end.

Councillor Peter Daniel voted against the motion. "How do we know how to pronounce the names unless there is a macron?"

Council chief executive Pat Dougherty said macrons were introduced after a committee meeting and did not have the full council's approval. He apologised for not following correct procedure but said the Geographic Board used macrons in the names. "We are trying to model correct usage."

Councillor Peter Ellis described the macrons as "PC gone mad".

Paraparaumu-Raumati community board member Roger Booth said accents were used and respected in French words so macrons should be respected as well.

Mr Baker, the Otaki Community Board chairman, stressed that the Maori language was a gift, and opposed the motion. "I ask you to consider this before you tell Maori how to use their own language. You are doing a huge disservice to our tangata whenua.

"It is really disrespectful and offensive to my community. We are very proud our community clearly identifies with Maori, Chinese and non-Maori and of our bilingual initiative."

Mr Baker told mayor Jenny Rowan that the council needed to work harder on its partnership with tangata whenua. "If this had been dealt with in an appropriate manner I would not be here trying to justify the gift."

Ms Rowan said she was sad the motion had come to the table. "They [Maori] bring issues of history and dignity to discussions and we sit here as Pakeha and trash them – 150 years later (after the Treaty) we are dealing in an environment that creates tension because of a lack of respect."

Using macrons was overdue, she said.

- © Fairfax NZ News