May 10, 2022
Māori wards change council complexion
A Māori politics expert says Māori wards could be a game-changer in October’s local body elections – so it’s important Māori get out and vote.
Dr Lara Greaves from the University of Auckland says there will be some debate about who should stand – mana whenua or mātāwaka and urban Māori.
There will also be some who say that even if there is some Māori representation, it is still a pākehā table.
“How do we change the table itself? I think that’s the question people are to are pointing more towards but the Māori wards are definitely an excellent first step and it means those voices are there,” Dr Greaves says.
There need to be systems of consultation so Māori representatives don’t feel they are being left on their own to speak for all Māori.