Kaipara Mayor Caves on Karakia Ban
December 8, 2022
PHOTO: Tania Whyte
New Kaipara Mayor Craig Jepson has backed down from a controversial karakia ban, announcing in a statement this morning that future council meetings will be opened with a karakia, statement or reflection as chosen by councillors.
The announcement comes as anger mounts nationwide over Jepson’s decision at a November 30 meeting to shut down new Māori Ward councillor Pera Paniora as she tried to open the meeting with a karakia or blessing.
A petition has gathered thousands of signatures and a peaceful protest march had been planned through Dargaville next Wednesday.