May 24, 2024
Scrapping of Māori wards passes first reading
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A bill that will put race relations on the ballot paper in next year’s local government elections passed its first reading last night.
The Local Government – Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies Amendment Bill requires councils with Māori wards to hold a binding poll on whether they can continue – or they can opt to scrap their wards beforehand and put new representation arrangements in place.
The results of the polls will take effect for the local government term beginning in October 2028..
The Bill also reinstates the provision that a petition of 5 per cent of registered voters can force a referendum if councils opt to create Maori seats.
The Government wants to pass the bill by the end of July so councils can make any necessary changes before election preparations start in April 2025.
Other features include extending the delivery period for voting papers from six days to 14 days, and extending the voting period by ten days.