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The chairs are luxuriously padded but there were some sitting very uncomfortably as the inaugural meeting of the Environment Southland council got under way yesterday.
It was a rout as plum jobs were seized and pretenders cornered and dispatched. I saw fond glances and winks, downcast eyes and bridled anger. There will be councillors waking this morning without smiles on their faces but that, we are reminded, is politics and those hoping for the demanding roles of chair of this and that can look forward to a quieter triennium than they might have been rehearsing in their minds, a chance to fish, garden or just reflect on the human condition.
Still, it's settled and the lines are drawn. We know what our roles are, how the voting might swing on various issues, who's got who's ear, and who owes what.
All that, and not a single issue that concerns 'the environment'. I can't wait to get on with the job.
I'm happy with the roles I've landed, in particular that which involves interfacing with Te Roopu Taiao and through that group, the runaka of te rohe nei.
The Southland Times group photo, taken outside of the Environment Southland HQ, tells a story if you know how to read it. I'm just learning the basics now.
5 comments:
Have you got a link to the photo?
Looks like one of our council staff may be joining you Robert, he is leaving for a "new position in Southland" whether or not that is at environment Southland I am unsure.
Couldn't find a link (very shifty that).
I'll keep a look out for your guy.
Who are Te Roopu Taiao, Robert?
lus.
Te Roopu Taiao is the 'linking group' through which the council interacts with Te Ao Marama.
"The primary collaborative structure that has been put in place is Te Roopu Taiao. This management group is made up of elected representatives from each of the four Southland Councils, and representatives of the four papatipu runanga. This group provides the overarching administrative input to maintaining the collaborative arrangements."
Te Ao Marama Inc.
"- Te Ao Marama Incorporated
This organisation has been authorised to act in this capacity by Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu. In terms of Article II of the Treaty, the tangata whenua hold mana whenua over all ancestral lands within Murihiku and on that basis the Councils will liaise with Te Ao Marama Inc. The membership of this organisation is made up of the four mana whenua Runanga in Murihiku. They are:
• Te Runaka o Awarua,
• Hokonui Runanga,
• Oraka/Aparima Runaka, and
• Waihopai Runaka.
Interesting, thanks.
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