Sent: Wednesday, May 8, 2024 11:30 AM
Subject: LGOIMA request - translations
I refer to your LGOIMA request of 24 April 2024 regarding translations at Council meetings, and respond below as per your email:
- I would like to know how many times standing order 4.3 has been rejected by the council to the public or councillors as it was around the 4th April meeting.
Council has no record of this standing order being previously rejected. - Councillor Lee asked for a translation during a YouTube live meeting and was ignored, I would like to request to have this translation of the Infrastructure and Environment Committee meeting around the 4th April especially section 5.3 the petition part of the meeting translated. Councillor Lee requested a translation and I would like to request it also. I would assume many people could translate this so it would be good to get multiple translations as they are almost the same but not exactly.
Cr Waru has 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.
- During the meeting councillor Lee was advised to learn Maori and no translation was offered, is that the answer the council wants to public to be aware of and is able to provide translation both ways as stated in the standing orders?
The Standing Orders refers to members addressing a meeting. Cr Waru was not addressing the meeting and therefore his exchange is not covered by Standing Orders 4.3. The brief exchange occurred during informal discussion following acceptance of the petition. The exchange is also not recorded in the minutes as Council does not record verbatim minutes, in either English or Māori. - I would like to ask why requesting 4.3 of the councils standing orders would be rejected during agenda items and meetings that are public.
Items under standing order 4.3 are not rejected if they fall within the parameters of Standing Order 4.3. - What is the consequence of standing orders not being upheld, how many times has standing orders been questioned by councillors or council staff or members of the public.
Council does not record the number of times standing orders are questioned by councillors during the course of a meeting as Council does not record verbatim minutes. - Who can I request that all council public meetings agenda items discussion adhere to 4.3 standing orders and everything is translated for transparency and is publicly available.
As advised above, Council does not record verbatim minutes, including in English or Māori. - Is the fact that a member of the public is forced to fight to get language translated concerning as it shouldn’t have been an issue at all. The council is supposed to record accurate information and when it doesn’t follow standing orders I wonder what rules are followed.
As advised above, Council does not record verbatim minutes, including in English or Māori.