Steven Mark Gaskell writes: Auckland Council is handing out up to $2.2 million to Te Kawerau ā Maki to help get a new marae project off the ground. The money comes from the council’s Tahua Huanga Ora Māori Outcomes Fund, which was set up under the 2018–2028 budget with $150 million allocated over ten years for Māori wellbeing and identity projects.
Of course, it isn't simply described as ratepayer money going to build a marae. Give it a fancy title like the “Māori Outcomes Fund” and it sounds much more noble. The problem is that the money still comes from the council’s budget, and ultimately Auckland ratepayers help pay the bills.
The $2.2 million is also only the starting point, with the whole project reportedly expected to cost around $16 million.
So don't be surprised if the cheque book has to come out again. When councils have a dedicated pot of money sitting there, someone will always find a reason to spend it.
Source: Facebook
The $2.2 million is also only the starting point, with the whole project reportedly expected to cost around $16 million.
So don't be surprised if the cheque book has to come out again. When councils have a dedicated pot of money sitting there, someone will always find a reason to spend it.
Source: Facebook

9 comments:
Oh for pity's sake. When will the damned grifting end? Can we not see this money better used for hospitals and the good and wellbeing of all? FFS.
When were rate payers asked if we want this?????? Where is democracy???Which iwi is to benefit??? No wonder our rates are going up. This has to STOP !!!!!!!
A problem today is that with few reading newspapers and not in detail, and very limited reporting, no local papers, and no informative communication form Council, the genral public is barely aware of goings on. With the venues for scheming improved, the marae spending will all rebound on Council in the form of very orgainised and coordinated intrusion into and domination of Council functions
Bet there is no mention in the MSM about that. It makes me feel sick and I don't even live in Auckland.
No, don't tell me. It's an 11 story marae, with a penthouse suite, roof tennis courts, a ballroom, a bathroom per room and a subway connection to the CRL, decked out in sacred lavish eye wateringly expensive artwork like the other CRL stations.
Is there a political party who wants to scrap the Local Government Act before this insane use of public money for non council related expenditure sends US all broke? They'd get mine and many other votes.
"Us", being the silent abused partner in this wonderful "partnership" who never receives a cent of our councillors largesse with our money.
Willie Jackson this morning accusing the current govt of making maori lives worse, I dont think there is data to support that.
Wayne Brown if you support this constant maori grifting you will not stay in job for long, I am a rate payer and I am SICK of it !!!!!
You think that’s bad, my racist uncle is actually scared of Māoris. It’s weird
For goodness sake stop whining, $2.2Million is just loose change. Let's not forget the $300Million ($100Million - Labour & $200Million - National) 'contributed/invested' to/in Maori in the last two terms by our Government(s). (NB. Just as well they're not classified as more 'Treaty settlement' largesse, for then a few more 'enlightened' Iwi would get an additional 'top-up' to boot.)
Let's face it, it's the ultimate gravy train. Mayor Brown, quite likely gets all the crayfish and other kai he can eat - the rest (who provide the money) don't even get so much as a humble 'thank you' and all because, it's just not enough!
So let's collectively all reflect in the glow of our generosity and virtue - how good is that, and with Xmas not too far off?
PS. Free ta moko will be available for those seeking forehead embellishment. Recommended is the readily recognised artistic symbol in the form of the acknowledged pakeha alphabet letter "M", which represents...
"Munificence" or "Mug" - you choose?
Presumably refers to the Te Henga marae. The money could and should have been spent on restoring attractive to trampers basic tracks wrecked in 2023. Instead the local iwi and their city puppet masters will spend time figuring how to inconvenience, obstruct and generally spite pesky colonists with their quaint energetic nterest in tramping.
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