Candidates for the Māori Ward

Kia ora, ko Waireka Collings tōku ingoa, and I’m standing for Mayor and the Whakaoriori Māori Ward.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

One of my top priorities is the retention of the Māori Ward as a matter of partnership through Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

Beyond that, we need sharp, new vision. We are living in challenging times and we feel the pinch of poor historical decisions. That type of decision-making needs to stop.

We need bold, future-focused leadership that embraces digital innovation and harnesses the power of AI to strengthen our connectability.

Next, we need to grow our people through education, internships and employment, and give our young people a reason to stay.

To do that we need big business, and our town must be ready for investment, and tourism that uses marae to host manuhiri, promote our kapa haka industry, beautiful beaches and farmlands.

I see a thriving town and remote working hub so our people choose to stay and work here, while enjoying free town Wi-Fi, with leadership who checks in and follows up.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

I am fresh and sharp with the added benefit of bicultural lived experience. This is absolutely the game change we need.

I am a mum of five children focused on the future, a daughter of an ageing mother focused on kaumātua and elderly, and I am the median age of all our people, so I am perfectly positioned at the heart of our town.

I will create intergenerational prosperity and growth. Partner with me and let’s transform together.

Kia ora. I am Marama Tuuta and I’m standing again for the Māori Ward.

I am grateful to have had the opportunity and experience of being the first Māori Ward Councillor.

I was born in Masterton and attended Wairarapa College, where I was appointed a prefect.

I went on to become a teacher and returned as principal of Masterton East School.

As part of the Treaty Settlement negotiations team, I helped bring approximately $170 million into the community to help grow our people.

[On-screen text: What are your top priorities?]

There’s a lot that the Council needs to focus on in the next triennium: Local Water Done Well, amalgamation, economic development, housing.

There will be a lot to discuss, learn and debate, and I’m fortunate to have already been part of these discussions.

[On-screen text: Why do you think you’re right for the role?]

So why vote for me? Well, I have experience. I work for our people.

Currently, I am part of an Otago University research team and was instrumental in getting rongoa practices offered to patients in hospital.

I have established the Wairarapa Tangata Whaikaha/Disability roopu.

[On-screen text: What’s the biggest challenge facing Masterton?]

The great challenge for Masterton is the vote for the continuation of a Māori Ward.

It is one way that we can meet our Treaty of Waitangi obligations.

We do not require a referendum for other wards, and the same should be for Māori wards.