Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:29 AM
Subject: Translation of interaction at Infrastructure and Environment Committee
I refer to your Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act request regarding a translation of Cr Waru’s exchange with a petitioner at the Infrastructure & Environment Committee meeting on 3 April 2024.
Cr Waru was not addressing the meeting and therefore his exchange is not covered by Standing Orders 4.3. As previously advised by Cr Andrew Moraes, the brief exchange occurred during informal discussion following acceptance of the petition. The exchange is not recorded in the minutes as Council does not record verbatim minutes, in either English or Māori.
Cr Waru has, however, provided the following translation of the brief exchange:
Firstly I just want to acknowledge you Wally – thank you for your presentation.
To my relations of Tūhourangi and Ngāti Whakaue – I acknowledge you all.
It’s been good to listen to the discussion.
That’s why I’ve been sitting here and just listening.
Myself and Cr Kereopa are both descendants of Rotokakahi so I understand your points.
Put the legal jargon aside (the legal stuff is the legal stuff). You have come here under the auspices of your inherited mana and who you represent.
I wanted to make it clear I fully understand your position.
Also, for your clarification, Council does not have a department that provides translation into Māori. We have one staff member who carries out te reo Māori translations for elected members and staff for Council documentation ie:
- Mihi and poroporoaki ie: opening and closing salutations for written speeches
- Mihi and poroporoaki for internal and external facing digital or hardcopy documents and communications
- Headings and sub-headings
- Survey, communications and marketing phrases
This service is not available to the general public.
