Whakatāne Māori ward councillor Toni Boyton discusses the challenges ahead as Māori councillors prepare to defend their seats and the future of Māori wards.
Te Maruata, the group for Māori elected members in Local Government NZ, recently met in Taupō to discuss the 2025 local elections. Forty-two councils will hold elections and referendums on Māori wards, with four councils exempt.
Boyton believes Māori wards have strengthened community ties but warns that government support for extreme views could threaten these connections.
“Part of me thinks that it’s sort of the last of the dinosaurs that are really trying to really make sure they have that grip on what they believe that they are losing, when really it’s the opposite they are destroying,” says Boyton.
Local elections will be held from 9 September to 11 October.
