Putting yourself out there isn’t easy. Whether it's in business, our relationships, schooling, or sports/competitive environments, we have to give it a go.
In October, James was very excited to be appointed as one of five Māngai Māori representatives on Hamilton City Council committees. James is on the Regulatory and Hearings Committee and hopes to add insight that will deepen understanding of Māori values and perspectives in the statutory context or regulatory measures undertaken by Council, whilst also bringing people together as part of this process.
This is an impressive decision and approach by the Hamilton City Council, and it needs to be acknowledged and applauded. This approach is a step towards providing a voice for Māori in Kirikiriroa Hamilton in key policies, implementation and decisions of the Council.
James, Amy and their family were part of a beautiful morning pōwhiri and feel very privileged to be part of this move forward. For more about this https://www.stuff.co.nz/waikato-times/news/107765254/Mayor-Hamilton-City-Council-making-steps-towards-partnership
Although excited, James is mindful of the how important this role is for Māori and for non-Māori, and is cognisant of those in the community who do not naturally support unelected positions based on race. James believes there were more reasons to give it go than there were reasons not to. Be encouraged to give the uncomfortable a go.
Haere i runga i te rangimarie