Karakia at Council Meetings

After receiving a Letter to the Editor about the religious content of karakia used at Council meetings, which followed the decision by Kaipara’s mayor to ban karakia, the Times-Age asked if elected members were given the opportunity to leave the room when karakia was used.

They were advised that issue had not come up at a Council meeting. Karakia are used to open every Council meeting – participation is a personal choice. The reporter was referred to the karakia and translation set out in November’s agenda. The karakia has no religious content.