Calls are mounting for more targeted and culturally relevant election communications to better engage Māori voters.
Kāpū-te-rangi Māori Ward candidate and Te Maruata co-chair Toni Boyton says the current system is outdated and fails to connect with whānau, who face multiple barriers to participation.
“Māori make up a large part of the community in terms of what they do and the difference of issues and what things are important to them in their communities, and it’s important to have them there,” says Boyton.
Boyton says Māori Ward hopefuls often run triple campaigns, from educating voters, explaining Māori Wards, and promoting themselves, often on a fraction of the budget available to general ward candidates.
Māori Ward referendums are currently open, with voting set to close on 11 October.
