Whanganui Marae Leader Praises Council’s Decision to Fund Marae Improvements but Condemns Social Media Backlash A Whanganui marae leader has praised the Whanganui District Council’s “brave decision” to set aside $3.5 million in its ten-year plan for marae improvements, but has expressed disgust at the negative social media reaction. The district’s nearly 20 marae will be able to apply for marae development grants from a pool of $500,000 each year for seven years. Te Ao Hou Marae president Geoffrey Hipango applauded councilors who “stood firm” during a grueling Long-Term Plan discussion on the council’s preferred option for establishing the annual fund from 2028 to 2034. He said those councilors had a fight on their hands to approve chief executive David Langford’s recommendations for the new grants, with 744 public submissions against the proposal, more than half (53%) of those received on the issue. A total of 503 (36% of applicants) supported the proposal, which will cost $27 per property between 2028 and 2034. Councilors also worked on three sets of alternative resolutions, including the deputy mayor’s resolution. “I recognize the council,” Hipango said. “It was a brave decision that was made in the chambers. “I knew how difficult it was going to be for them (because of) the submissions to the Long-Term Plan process. “We had to submit ourselves in terms of our place in this community and what it looks like.” Hipango said he was not prepared for the resulting reaction on social media. “What we are seeing in the (social media) comments is vile.” A councilor reprimanded for describing the subsidies as ‘slime’ During the debate on June 7, councilor Rob Vinsen said establishing the fund would be divisive and that iwi should use Treaty Agreement reparation to fund marae development. “The community has clearly told us what they want,” Vinsen said. Mayor Andrew Tripe criticized Vinsen for characterizing the grants as an annual “donation” to marae. “That is inflammatory language and is not acceptable in this room.” When Vinsen used the term again, despite caution, the mayor asked Vinsen to withdraw his comment and apologize. Vinsen refused and Councilwoman Kate Joblin called for disciplinary action. Councilor Philippa Baker-Hogan protested, yelling: “No! Come on, people!” The mayor stopped the meeting to consult the regulations, before citing regulation 20.5 regarding contempt and disorderly conduct. It gave Vinsen another opportunity to withdraw his comment and apologize. Vinsen did so to cheers of support of “Good for you, Rob” from councilors Charlie Anderson and Philippa Baker-Hogan. Three sets of alternative resolutions were proposed, including a reduced fund of $100,000 a year available for any community resilience and infrastructure development projects. The chief executive’s original resolutions were ultimately approved by a vote of 7 to 5. ‘Scrutiny of our right to exist’ Hipango said Māori were tired of negativity towards development initiatives, including improvements to Te Ao Hou Marae on the west bank of the Whanganui River. “It is the need to be able to withstand this level of scrutiny for our right to exist as a marae. “We are part of this community and have been since the time of colonization. We contribute to Whanganui socially and economically. “Our marae are proactive and build bridges to our communities. We build social connections. Our doors are open. We have older people from the community here. We recognize loneliness and the need to reduce social isolation. “We have a monthly community dinner here and the neighbors know each other. We have 70 people every month, sometimes up to 120. They are people who are not Māori, but feel comfortable coming here.” Hipango said the council’s decision recognized the vital role marae played during emergency responses. Whanganui River marae were at the center of the community response during the 2015 Whanganui flood and as support centers during the pandemic, he said. “They gave instructions in terms of our tribal areas contributing money, buying kai, distributing it and allyOnline Backlash to Marae Funding Decision A decision to allocate government funds towards marae improvements has sparked a torrent of negative reactions online. Critics have labeled the move as a “vile reaction,” accusing officials of pandering to a minority group and ignoring the needs of the wider community. “This is an outrage!” wrote one user. “Why should our tax dollars be used to fund something that benefits only a small fraction of the population?” Another commenter claimed that the funds could have been better spent on essential services such as healthcare or education. “Instead, they’re throwing money away on a bunch of empty buildings,” they said. The backlash has also been met with strong support for the funding decision. Supporters argue that marae are important cultural and community hubs that provide vital services. “Marae are the heart of our communities,” said one commenter. “They provide a place for people to gather, learn, and celebrate our heritage. Funding these improvements is an investment in our future.” The online debate has highlighted the ongoing tensions surrounding the funding of indigenous initiatives in New Zealand. Critics argue that such funding creates an unfair advantage, while supporters maintain that it is necessary to address historical inequities.