Hamilton City is set to ask for consultants' advice on its partnership with Maori.

A briefing to councillors this week canvassed options for the external review, with PricewaterhouseCoopers and Professor Linda Tuhiwai Smith suggested by staff.

The review will cover treaty obligations and legislative responsibilities, governance relationships and the types of council functions which could be delivered in-house.

City council staff have signalled a need for in-house capacity although Mayor Julie Hardaker sought an assurance nothing would be predetermined before the review.

The annual cost to ratepayers of partnerships with Maori is $330,000, largely through major contracts with two iwi groups, and a strategic adviser on Maori relationships.

Nga Mana Toopu o Kirikiriroa (NaMTOK) advises on resource management issues and Te Runanga o Kirikiriroa (TeROK) provides council with cultural support.

Staff have identified council's limited in-house capacity - including its knowledge and experience of tikanga Maori, or customs and protocol - as an issue for the review.

- © Fairfax NZ News

Comments