The Treaty & Me 2025: Why Māori Wards? 3 Locals Share their Experience

In the second of four dates in the Treaty & Me series for 2025, three local experts gather to share their insights on Māori wards.

Sheryl Mai, Mike Kake and Carol Peters talk about why they advocated for Māori wards, and why they think it’s important that we keep them. The first part of the session will be a panel discussion facilitated by Network Waitangi Whangārei educator Moea Armstrong, after which the audience will be invited to ask their own questions of the panellists.

Sheryl Mai was Mayor of Whangārei District Council for nine years from 2013-2022. Her time as Mayor included guiding the Council through the introduction of a Māori Ward; and the transformation of Te Kārearea from an advisory committee to the status of a standing strategic partnership committee of Council.

Mike Kake has worked for the Electoral Commission as a Community Engagement Advisor over several General Elections. His background is in media and he continues to represent Ngati Hau and Te Parawhau hapū and Ngapuhi iwi at Local Government level.

Dr. Carol Peters is a current member of (and standing for re-election to) Whangārei District Council, where she serves as Deputy Chair of Community Development and champions affordable housing initiatives for older people. She founded Open Arms for the homeless, chairs Climate Change Taitokerau, and serves as a Director on Creative Northland. Dr. Peters is committed to endorsing Tangata Whenua aspirations.

The Treaty & Me series is hosted by Network Waitangi Whangārei. Over four Wednesdays from 23 July until 13 August, respected Pākehā and community voices will speak about the Treaty / Te Tiriti from their own experience and research.

There are 2 sessions on each date – 12-2pm and 7-9pm – all at 116 Bank St, Whangārei.
Doors open 30 minutes before session start times – Free coffee, tea, soup & snacks will be served.

The talks are for everyone, but particularly those keen to explore how Te Tiriti is key to New Zealand’s harmonious future.

Speakers will be followed by a facilitated Q&A session, so please bring your curiosity, openness and questions.

All talks are FREE – Koha appreciated (bring cash on the day).