September 04, 2023
Auckland Māori ward plan out for consultation
Auckland Council is forging ahead with plans to create Māori wards, despite the threat by National to bring back the veto referendums which blocked progress for 20 years, and ACT’s promise to abolish all Māori seats at council level.
Whau ward councillor Kerrin Leoni says the council has started a month-long consultation process to inform the public and get feedback.
But she says it’s time for Maori wards in Tamaki Makaurau.
“We’ve got the largest Maori population in the world – residing here in Auckland – and we need to have that Maori voice at the governing body table,” she says.
While the Independent Maori Statutory Board does great work, it does not have a vote of the full council.