May 21, 2018
Hobson’s majorities block Maori voice
Councils are going to have to find other ways to get Maori input into decision-making after plans to create Maori seats were voted down by referendum in four centres.
The no campaigns were backed by Don Brash’s Hobson’s Pledge group, which claims voters on the Maori roll choosing their own representatives to speak for them amounts to extra privilege for Maori.
Dr Brash’s assertion the drive was not racially motivated were undercut by the leader of the Palmerston North campaign, Don Esslemont, leaving the hall at a public meeting to avoid hearing a 30 second mihi of welcome in te reo Maori.
There the vote was more than two to one against Maori wards, with 37 percent of electors voting.
The percentage was higher in Manawatu, with 77 percent voting no.
In Whakatane 56 percent voted against Maori wards, and in Western Bay of Plenty it was 78 percent.
The polls are binding for the 2019 and 2022 elections.
Dr Brash says politicians and media should respect the substantial votes against Maori wards.
Whakatane mayor Tony Bonne blamed stick in the mud people with stick in the mud views for the result.
He says with Maori making up 43 percent of the local population the council needs to look at other ways of ensuring Maori were involved in decision making, such as appointing Maori to committees.
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