Media Release, Friday 9th August 2019

Over the past few days, my character has been poorly represented in the media. Words have been twisted to make it appear that I do not support nor care for our local Maori community, which simply could not be further from the truth. This is not something I would ever want anybody to think of me—I have thick skin, I can let a lot of things go, but not this.

I have many close relationships with local Maori and I have personally loved and lost two dear friends, Karena Borrell and Maria Ngatai. These were two women I worked with, cared for, attended their funerals, considered very dear friends and I miss them.

In the context of ratepayer money and Council-owned properties, there will be debate about where ownership should sit and how to best manage properties for everybody in our community to enjoy. When I have addressed these issues in the past, and when I will need to in the future, I do so with a heart of what I feel is the best outcome for everybody involved. There is no room for an “us” and “them” mentality between groups in our community. We are all in this together. 

I stand by the fact that equality is a pillar of my leadership. I understand about privilege, and what it takes to fight harder than most for what you are passionate about—being the only woman in a room full of men is not an easy place to sit. But I’ve been there, I understand and I’ve fought hard to get where I am today. I welcome any conversation about equality, my relationship with local Maori and my views on Council-owned properties with open arms, honesty and integrity.