Over the past few days, my character has been poorly represented in the media [Stuff.co.nz, August 7: ‘Racist undertones in submissions on prospect of land being gifted back to Tauranga iwi']. Words have been twisted to make it appear that I do not support nor care for our local Maori community—which could not be further away 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, Maria Ngatai and Karena Borrell. 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. 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.

Margaret Murray-Benge [WBOPDC mayoral candidate]