after karakia refusal
Hundreds gathered in Dargaville to protest against the Kaipara mayor on Wednesday morning.
It come two weeks after Craig Jepson repeatedly interrupted councillor Pera Paniora when she tried to open a hui with karakia.
He has since permitted karakia on a rotating basis just before meetings but not in them.
Paniora (Te Roroa, Ngāti Whātua), who represents Te Moananui o Kaipara, said the mayor's behaviour had been "disheartening".
"He states that he wants everyone to be included and treated equally. But from where I've been spending the last couple of weeks, he's not afforded the same opportunities to Māori and it comes across in such a way that makes you wonder, is there more to it?"
She said there was "a lack of respect or courtesy, shown by the mayor, and a simple discussion with me beforehand would have gone a long way".
Link to article: Hundreds gather to protest Kaipara mayor after karakia refusal (msn.com)
