By Pera Paniora – Māori Ward Councillor, 2022–2025
I would not have believed, three years ago, that in a single term we would face severe droughts, wildfires, flash floods, water failures, roading slips, power-line damage, Cyclone Gabrielle, the dis-establishment of the Māori Ward, and multiple political challenges, just to name a few. This term has tested us all.
Despite that, I’m proud of what we have managed to achieve in difficult times. I supported bringing roading back in-house, creating local jobs and giving us greater control over both the work programme and budget. We also amended procurement policies to give greater weighting to local contractors, helping keep funds circulating within our district. We reduced costs and focused on getting projects completed in time and under budget.
In the past year alone, with the help of MHUD 61 affordable homes were completed in Dargaville, providing shelter for hundreds. I fiercely advocated for housing, the environment, and our community. We ensured key voices were heard in decisions like the gold clam threat. While not all perspectives were adopted, it highlighted the urgent need for stronger community and farming sector representation. This term, more than half of Council represented development interests, which led to one-dimensional decisions not reflective of the district as a whole.
I opposed the shift from General Valuation (GV) to Capital Value (CV) rates. GV is fairer and better suited to the diverse make-up of our district. We might be one of the last districts but we’re also very unique.
Central government recently asked councils to pause all plan changes while they prepare amendments to legislation. This means we unfortunately continue to rely on an outdated District Plan for the foreseeable future. A decision no one seen coming.
I’ve done my best to represent Māori and to be a voice for fairness across the district. It’s been the most difficult, but also the most rewarding work I’ve ever done.
To the Māori Ward especially those who trusted me with your vote thank you for believing in me and giving me this chance.
Ngā mihi nui,
Pera Paniora
Māori Ward Councillor, Kaipara District Council (2022–2025)