Authorities attempt to end conflict

Press, 22 September 1987, Page 25

Authorities attempt to end conflict

Some local authorities in New Zealand are attempting to stamp out racial conflict by intensifying their Maori perspective. While 21 members of the Tamarawaho sub-tribe of Judea face charges of wilful trespass for occupying the old Tauranga Town Hall, scheduled for demolition, the Race Relations Office in Wellington has been attempting to help other councils develop cultural sensitivity. > The tribe’s council of elders intends applying for a High Court injunction to halt redevelopment of the Tauranga Town

Hall site until its land claim is heard. The Race Relations Conciliator, Mr Walter Hirsh, said he hoped the Maori community and the Tauranga City Council would find the path to a satisfactory solution of the problems. A Christchurch City councillor, Mr Clive Cotton, on Friday described g the Christchurch situation as all good news. Cr Hori Brennan provided a Maori perspective in the council through his representation of the Pegasus Ward, he said. A deputation of Maori people had recently

approached the council’s parks and recreation board to have the days for funerals to be held at cemeteries extended. Their application had been granted. The Mayor of Christchurch, Sir Hamish Hay, held a rank in the Maori community and had been ; a prime mover for the , Nga Hau E Wha National; Marae. He " was still a member of the 'marae trust board, Cr Cotton said. The council worked closely with ail ethnic groups in the community, he said.