April 05, 2024
Councils say Māori wards working well
Local Government New Zealand says the Government’s decision to reintroduce binding polls on councils creating Māori wards adds unncessary red tape to a system that is working well.
President Sam Broughton says councils are quite capable of making decisions on the best representation structure for their districts, and 35 have opted for Māori wards with no big outcry.
He says Māori ward councillors bring a wider perspective in decision making and leads to richer discussion and a deeper understanding of issues.
“Māori wards being involved in councils has actually led to some really good outcomes for communities and so that’s why we don’t believe a referendum is required. LGNZ’s position isn’t that you should or shouldn’t have Māori wards. It’s just that a council can make that decision and we don’t need a referendum or the Government telling us ‘have that referendum.’ It’s just unnecessary,” Mr Broughton says.
Councils must hold representation reviews every six years in consultation with their communities and mana whenua.
Forced referendums on Māori wards would add cost and complexity at a time it’s not needed.