WALKERS WANTED! KDC co-governance clash

The debate over co-governance reared its head at a Kaipara District Council meeting in late July, with an activist charging that Julian Batchelor’s ‘Stop Co-Governance’ roadshow was instilling fear. Batchelor, taking part by video link, rejected the allegations.

“I am fearful that it is tours like this that are emboldening potentially the next terrorist, who may choose a marae rather than a mosque for his next target,” Pere Huriwai-Seger, of the Aotearoa Liberation League, told the meeting. He said objectors at some Batchelor meetings had been heckled or manhandled, and voiced concern that the tour was returning to the region, with events planned in Whangārei.

“I would implore you, our mayor, councillors, to please not use your public profile and your position in our community to promote this tour,” he said. “While you did campaign against co-governance, Mr Mayor, I expect you to seek what is best for our entire community, not simply the minority that voted you in.”

(Mayor Craig Jepson campaigned against the introduction of Māori wards without the wider community’s opinion being sought.)

Huriwai-Seger argued that opposition to anti-co-governance was in fact “a movement against Māori, full-stop”.

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Batchelor disputed his suggestions that Māori were unwelcome at his events, saying Māori not only took part, but had offered premises for meetings.

It was “completely untrue” that the meetings instilled fear, he said. There was “no evidence” to back up claims that they were emboldening terrorists.

Batchelor said he had always encouraged supporters of co-governance to hold meetings and explain their positions. He denied encouraging violence, alleging that it was those opposing his views who were responsible for bad behaviour.

“I’ve always said that the only weapons I will use are my pen, my brain, and my mouth,” he said, dismissing Huriwai-Seger as “a master spin doctor”.

Some councillors complained that Batchelor’s presentation hadn’t appeared on the agenda, and said Jepson allowed him to speak for too long. HuriwaiSeger spoke for about seven minutes and Batchelor for about nine. Neither of their presentations appeared on the agenda released beforehand.

Karakia row

Huriwai-Seger’s presentation began with wrangling over a Māori karakia, an issue that has dogged KDC meetings since Jepson banned the practice, arguing that meetings should be multicultural and secular.

As Huriwai-Seger signalled he was about to offer one, Jepson interjected, “You’re not here to do a karakia. You’re here to present regarding co-governance. That’s your subject.”

Huriwai-Seger said presenting a karakia was “definitely an aspect of co-governance”, but Jepson repeated his objection.

“We can argue this fact if you like, or I could spend 15 seconds to give the council’s opening karakia,” Huriwai-Seger said. Several councillors supported him. Jepson refused again, but Huriwai-Seger went ahead, and the mayor let it go.

Mahurangi COLLEGE

The weeks continue to fly by here at Mahurangi - we can’t believe that it’s August already. Students are super busy juggling assignments and classwork while preparing for winter sport finals, dance showcases, zone days, AIMS, speeches and everything in between.

The third annual Art in August was another success, as students proudly displayed their artistic talents alongside local artists. The exhibition featured a selection of artworks from all year levels, showcasing painting, photography, sculpture, pottery and design. All student work that was available for purchase sold out quickly. We would like to thank Warkworth Oaks, One Mahurangi Business Association and the exhibiting artists for providing this space for us. Congratulations to National Art Supplies People’s Choice award winner, Jacob McFarlane. For more follow @mahuartdept on Instagram.

Our Community Future Pathways Evening was well represented this year. With a total of 44 exhibitors, students, parents and whānau were able to investigate an array of opportunities and career pathways. This year we had record numbers of our community in attendance and we would like to extend our thanks to all those who supported the evening.

Footballers were excited this week to receive a visit and coaching session from the Tottenham Hotspurs development coaches, who are here as part of the FIFA World Cup. The session was both informative and inspiring, with our players impressing with their skill level and passion for the game. Thanks to Alex Paul who helped arrange this fantastic opportunity.

Our ‘Mahurangi Young Navigators of the Pacific’ celebration was an evening full of energy, beautiful costumes, singing and dancing. Featuring Kiribati, Tongan, Samoan and combined group dances from our students, the celebration also included guest performances from Warkworth Primary and the Pukekohe High School Pacific group. Ending with a shared meal, it was wonderful way to connect with and celebrate all our ‘Young Navigators of the Pacific’.

Nick Humphrey’s from Underground Skate Orewa kindly offered his time to visit our Year 11 Technology students who have been busy making skateboards. As well as generously providing prizes to award students for their outstanding boards, Underground Skate also provided all the components for all 100 skateboards made by our Year 11 students this year. Congratulations to Faye Dobson for winning the award for Overall best work.

Forty of our Year 10 students braved cold and muddy conditions in Kumeu to participate in the Tough Guy & Gal Challenge. Students completed two laps of the 3km cross-country course, successfully navigating steeplechase hurdles, muddy ponds, equestrian barriers, tunnels, cargo nets and the muddy terrain. A big thank you to Mr McLagan and Mr Tennant for organising the trip for the keen students as part of their Year 10 “Rite Stuff ” programme.

A thank you also to Pub Charity Ltd for their grant to purchase a sensory chair to support our Special Learning Centre students. Our present funding project is fitting out our new weights room, with Blue Sky Community Trust kicking us off with a $1,000 donation. Meanwhile, we’re all looking forward to the busy term ahead - and hopefully with it some better weather

Academic Blue for Excellence

L1 & L2 NCEA

Prefect 2023

Peer Support School Production 2023

Cultural Blue 2022