Resignation calls for local board member after anti co-governance meeting

Twitter users have demanded the resignation of a local board member after he shared videos of "racially charged” comments from Ōrewa’s anti-co-governance meeting.

Board member Jake Law shared the videos online with the intent of sparking a conversation around these types of events so people can see what happened and comment on the “bad behaviour” themselves.

The event opposing co-governance led by organiser Julian Batchelor was held at Ōrewa Community Centre on March 19.

Law attended in an observational capacity and says the event escalated and became heated quickly.

“It was a very tense, chaotic and almost feral atmosphere.”

Remarks were shared both ways between protestors and attendees says Law.

However, he believes that Batchelor’s statements directed toward Māori were not based on truth or fact.

“I do think there is an undercurrent of racism and intolerance towards minority groups within New Zealand. I’m queer myself and I’m part Tongan, so I know how it feels to be discriminated against,” says Law.

One of the videos showed comments directed at Māori protester Mikaela Matenga, including an attendee saying, “you're horrible, yes, and you probably stink as well.”

Sharing the videos online was necessary as Ōrewa has a history of racism and the opinions expressed validated racist notions and were spreading white supremacy, Matenga says.

“It was important because I think a lot of people can’t grasp the way that Māori are treated, the way that we’re spoken about and anti-Māori opinions. I think it highlighted the reality of opinions of people in society and the reality of how we have been treated for so long too.”

Ōrewa is the least diverse and most Pākehā dominant local board, out of 21 local boards within Auckland.

Law says it is important for the community to ask themselves how they can be more open and welcoming to diverse groups of people and minorities.

The online backlash has not influenced Law to step down from his position as he believes the request was unjustifiable.

“I certainly won’t be resigning for something that I think only very few would have the guts to do, to actually show up and be there for a difficult conversation,” he says.

Law says the meeting highlighted that there is a misunderstanding around co-governance and the audience was afraid and confused as to what it means.

“I think the government needs to have a really strong statement and clarification around what it is when it is proposed.”

He emphasised that a factual and respectful conversation on the issue is needed and will be valuable.

Matenga agrees that informative events will be vital to educate and address fears that the public may have.

Te Herenga Waka O Ōrewa Marae is set to host a meeting encouraging a balanced conversation around co-governance open to all locals on May 6.