October 24, 2023
Waitomo rejects Māori wards
Waitomo District Council says it wants to increase Māori and mana whenua participation – but not by having Māori sit at the council table.
It’s opted not to introduce Māori wards for the next two local government elections.
Mayor John Robertson says it will work with mana whenua to establish a committee with Māori representation.
He says Māori wards can place limits on democratic choice and although it gives the perception of increased representation, Waitomo can achieve more Māori participation and involvement in other ways.
Māori voting turnout is low, and greater participation at the ballot box might result in more Māori elected to council under the current ward system.
Suring consultation, mana whenua said they want a method of representation that includes Māori collectives such as hapū, whānau, marae and papakāinga.