ASHLEIGH PUTT-FALLOWS (SHE/HER) | NGĀTI WHĀTUA, NGĀPUHI, TŪHOE
Not Just Heating Up, Actively burning:
Kaipara Council and its Māori Ward
As Kaipara Council continues with its decision to disestablish its Māroi ward, discussions have moved from civility to fundamental differences in worldview. Māori ward councillor Pera Paniora criticised the Kaipara District Council’s decision to disestablish Māori wards, viewing it as indicative of a cultural clash and misunderstanding of democracy. Mayor Craig Jepson argued that Māori wards are based on a false narrative of Māori oppression and suggested that Māori should succeed independently. In contrast, Linda Allen advocated for proportional representation, proposing three Māori ward seats. Former councillor Libby Jones defended Māori wards as crucial for fair representation and argued against the cost of disestablishing them.
New Zealand Joins U.S. Indo-Pacific 'Defense Expansion Strategy'
New Zealand has quietly joined the U.S. in a new strategy to expand weapons manufacturing across the Indo-Pacific region, endorsing a 'Statement of Principles for Indo-Pacific Defense Industrial Base Collaboration' in June. This agreement aims to integrate defence industries, enhance resilience, and reduce barriers. It aligns with U.S. efforts to address gaps in military production and leverage allied capabilities. New Zealand’s involvement includes potential participation in AUKUS Pillar Two and cooperation in regional defence frameworks.
Samoa Launches Gun Amnesty to Boost Community Safety
The Samoa Police’s gun amnesty has started this month, from August 1 to September 30, to collect illegal firearms. Following a successful 2021 campaign, this initiative allows individuals to surrender unregistered or illegal weapons without facing prosecution. Participants will receive a grocery voucher upon registering their firearms. The amnesty aims to improve community safety ahead of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting in October. Deputy Police Commissioner Papali’i Monalisa Tiai-Keti urged full cooperation, warning that illegal weapons found outside the amnesty period will face legal consequences.