5 minutes with …

Last month's local elections marked a new era for Māori representation in Te Tauihu, with Allanah Burgess elected as the new Māori Ward Councillor in Marlborough and Kahu Paki Paki voted in as the new Māori Ward Councillor for Whakatū.

For this month’s 5 mins with … , we sat down with Councillor Burgess to hear more about what drives her.

Tell us a little about yourself

Kei aku nui, kei aku rahi, nei rā te reo rāhiri e rere atu ana ki a koutou katoa.

He uri tēnei nō ngā iwi o Te Ātiawa me Ngāi Tahu.

Ko Tokomaru te Waka

Ko Piripiri te Maunga

Ko Arapaoa te Moutere Tapu

Ko Waitohi te Awa

Ko Waikawa te Marae

Ko Arapaoa te Whare Tupuna

Ko Raukawakawa te Moana

Ko Allanah Burgess ahau

Born and raised in Waikawa, I wear a lot of pōtae within my day-to-day life, with my number 1 priority being māmā and/or aunty to many. I am best known for my role as manager of Waikawa Marae, where I lead our operations and kaimahi but can also be found doing the dishes or hosting our many manuhiri in true manaaki style.

You're playing a pretty major part in history, being the first to be elected in the newly created Māori wards in Marlborough. How does that feel and what does that mean to you?

I’m excited and proud – I hope that people see me and think ‘if she can do it, then so can I!” This is the beginning of what can be an amazing journey of true partnership in action and us (together as Māori) can only grow and prosper.

There are so many big issues on the table right now, for Māori and for all communities - climate change, Three Waters, housing instabilty, inflation. Is there one area you are really focused on where you hope to effect change?

We are at a crucial time where we must be dedicated to the development of our people, our economy, and our community. The aspirations of our tupuna carried through generations are gaining momentum! These are all major issues that face us all but we have to be realistic too. None of these are easy fixes and are all priorities for all of our hapori – its about having the right people driving and prioritising the priorities.

What are the biggest issues do you think facing your local council?

The recovery from the pandemic is still in action and that on top of storm recovery has hit Te Tauihu pretty hard. We are facing the loss of business, high unemployment, potentially more evictions causing more pressure on our housing issues and continued economic disruption in tourism, hospitality and more. On top of all other mahi my opinion is that we are in a position now to bring back tourism in a new way that supports our local economy and culture and do it right!

And how about the biggest issues facing our Māori communities?

The vision is clear, we need to promote and nurture our place of belonging in Te Tauihu and through my natural progression within hapū and marae development, being trusted to represent Māori in this space is an absolute honour.

Housing is a major issue facing us all now so finding some solutions to support Māori in this space is high on my priority list.. In my day-to-day mahi I also work together with a lot of whānau who are dealing with building reliance and other issues stemming from alcohol and drug problems, so if I can support funding opportunities and initiatives to support organisations that support safe, supported and nurtured places for whānau.

Being a tick box as opposed to real engagement with all Māori is something that I want to face as well.   

Holding on to our identity and being supported in our place to stand-up and be heard. To be recognised and celebrated in positive ways that also support our wider community and place here in Marlborough and across Te Tauihu.

I also would like to investigate ways to keep our rangatahi in our rohe and/or to support them to leave and gain more skills and experience to bring them home again - for the sustainability our economy, our people and our culture.

What are you going to bring to the council table?

I am committed to advocating and influencing for Māori at the table – where we know it counts.  If I can achieve one thing during this term it will be ‘teatowel-tanga’ – Don’t just talk, roll up your sleeves and get your hands soapy… if you really want to connect, pick up a tea towel!

I would hope that I do my part in allowing engagement and connection between our community and council as well. Communication, communication, communication!

I want to also I help the council understand things with a te ao Māori lens - right down to the cups of teas (real relationships), the mihi before the mahi, the koha (leave in a better place than when you arrived), and bringing the biscuits (always bring your something to a hui)!

Quick 5

Rob Ruha/Six60

Ocean/lake

Ngakuta Bay/Mārahau

Kina/Pāua

Morning/night

”Mahia te mahi, hei painga mō te iwi.”