Napier Council Upholds Mana Whenua Voice After Controversial Proposal Fails

In a decision welcomed by tangata whenua and community supporters, a proposal to remove mana whenua voices and voting rights from Napier City Council’s standing committees has failed after spirited debate at a council meeting on 11 December 2025. 

The motion – put forward by newly elected Mayor Richard McGrath – would have ended the formal participation of Ngā Mānukanuka o te Iwi representatives on the council’s four standing committees in the coming term. Under the previous triennium, two mana whenua representatives held voting rights on each committee, reflecting a partnership approach to local governance.

At times tense discussions unfolded in a packed council chamber, including members of Ngāti Kahungunu and other community supporters in attendance. Councillors raised questions about the rationale behind the proposal and the implications for Napier’s Treaty-based relationships, with some describing the move as rushed and lacking adequate consultation.

Deputy Mayor Sally Crown was among councillors emphasising the importance of partnership, saying that valuing matauranga Māori and mana whenua input is critical to strong local decision-making. Councillor Shyann Raihania successfully moved an amendment ensuring mana whenua representatives remain specialist voting members on all standing committees, with full speaking rights and opportunities to engage meaningfully in council business.

The amended proposal passed with six votes in support and four against, with two councillors abstaining. The result was met with applause from the public gallery, and the gathering broke into a rendition of Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi – a powerful affirmation of unity and collective voice.

For many Māori, council committees are not just administrative forums but avenues for kaitiakitanga, community representation and partnership under Te Tiriti o Waitangi. The preservation of mana whenua seats is seen as a positive affirmation of those principles at the local government level, and a reminder of the importance of co-governance and shared decision-making in Aotearoa’s communities.

Radio Waatea will continue to follow developments in local government and reporting on how iwi and councils work in partnership for the benefit of all residents.

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