February 07, 2024
Māori wards essence of localism say councils
Local Government New Zealand is calling on the Government should leave decisions on Māori wards and constituencies to local councils.
President Sam Broughton says the Coalition Government’s proposal to re-establish referenda on Māori wards and constituencies will take local government backwards and is at odds with their own values of fairness and localism.
He says councils don’t need a referendum to establish a rural ward, so they shouldn’t for a Māori ward.
Local government now has the highest ever representation of Māori elected members, and the Government’s proposal risks the mana of Māori elected members and their rightful, elected place on councils.