Central Otago District Council mayor Tim Cadogan says he personally does not support the Stop Co-Governance Tour, which is scheduled to hold a meeting at Lowburn Hall in Cromwell this evening (Tuesday June 27) at 7pm.

The tour is organised by Julian Batchelor, who describes himself on his website as “a psychologist, author, teacher, speaker, leader, tourist operator and journalist. And now add ‘political activist’ to the list.”

The tour has been getting mixed welcomes as it makes its way across the country, with venue bookings cancelled in some towns. In Invercargill, Mayor Nobby Clark both attended and spoke at the meeting, while in Balclutha, Clutha District mayor Bryan Cadogan gave Julian short shrift when the activist introduced himself at a local cafe. The brother of Central Otago’s mayor told the tour organiser to “get out of town, you’re not welcome here”.

Tim told The Central App yesterday that “rights are balanced with responsibilities”.

“From what I have read from what has gone on at others in this series of meetings, a lot of responsibilities that would be expected in New Zealand have been ignored, for instance I read of a person who was not allowed to attend because he wasn’t a ‘good Māori’ or other people have been stopped from speaking at these meetings if they don’t agree with what is being said.”

Radio New Zealand reported that Te Tauihi iwi members were refused entry to the Blenheim meeting.

Tim said he was “all for open discussion on any topic where different sides can be put, respectfully listened to and debated”. 

“That is the core of democracy, that is how we learn and develop our understanding of things that we may be unaccustomed to,” he said. 

“However, when opposing views to a debate are shut out of the room, particularly when the closing of that door is based on race such as is alleged to have happened at the Blenheim meeting, a line is crossed and personally, I don’t welcome the person who did this coming to preach in Central.”

Vincent Community Board member Jayden Cromb (Waikato) said he accepts Julian has a right to his view, and a right to speak publicly, but he does not support the spreading of misinformation, fear, and division. 

Vincent Community Board member Jayden Cromb (Waikato) says co-governance is not about 'elite Maori' creating an 'apartheid' system

“I support open, fair, respectful debate,” Jayden said. 

“But when it crosses into hate, intolerance, and racism, we need to speak up and say it is not acceptable. I believe in fighting with real facts, not the line that gets the loudest cheer.    

“Aotearoa New Zealand has a unique cultural history and founding document. 1840 onwards has proven that the standard Westminster system does not work or reflect our unique shared heritage or coexistence. Co-Governance is not about 'elite Maori' creating an 'apartheid' system. It is saying we have a challenging past that we must address, and we must work in partnership to right those wrongs while creating an equal and fair future for all. Co-Governance is the next logical step in our nation's political evolution.”

He said that unfortunately such views as those held by the group had a home in Central Otago as they do in many places across Aotearoa New Zealand, but the good news is they were the minority.

“I can confidently say that for most, these views have no place in our communities and there are plenty of Maori and non-Maori that are working hard to change the minds of those that aren't there yet. Let's be clear there will be plenty of supporters attending the Stop Co-Governance meeting. But there will be far more reading this and feeling disgusted that we even have to have this conversation.”  

Jayden said it was very concerning to see Julian’s sort of rhetoric in the headlines so often. 

“My generation has been fortunate to grow up in an era where society has begun to look at the past and accept that change is needed. It has empowered us to stand up and be proud of who we are, to have the courage to embrace our whakapapa and begin to heal the inter-generational wounds of our Tipuna. It's worrying to see a coordinated effort to undo this work and to take our nation and culture backwards. It is our responsibility to push back and protect the progress for ourselves and the generations to come.”   

While standing for both the community board and council, Jayden was subjected to anti-Maori sentiment, such as being told he had no right to represent the area, but said he was proud of who he is and what he brought to the community. 

“And if my being here can counteract the negativity of people like Julian, and encourage others to seek out leadership roles, then those few comments are 100 per cent worth it,” he said. 

A police spokesperson said police would be in the vicinity for the event, to help ensure a safe environment for all.

The Central App approached Julian Batchelor for comment but no response had been received by our deadline.