February 26, 2026

#regional: Ngāti Kahungunu Chair Calls on Mayor to Rethink Deputy’s Removal

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 26, 2026

Leadership tensions have emerged in Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc and local government after the iwi’s chair has publicly asked the mayor of Napier to reconsider his decision to remove the city’s deputy mayor.

Ngāti Kahungunu Chair Bayden Barber has written to Mayor Richard McGrath urging a review of the move to stand down Deputy Mayor Sally Crown from her leadership role at the council. The appeal comes amid local concerns that the decision was made without adequate notice and has unsettled governance relationships at a time when collaborative leadership is seen as vital for the community.

The deputy mayor’s removal followed a breakdown in confidence between Crown and the mayor, a situation that unfolded in public council meetings and drew attention from iwi leaders as well as local councillors. Crown, an elected councillor, remains on the council but without the deputy position, a change that has prompted questions about decision-making processes and engagement with key stakeholders across Napier and Hawke’s Bay.

Bayden Barber’s letter urges reconsideration, emphasising the importance of inclusive leadership and respectful dialogue between elected officials and mana whenua partners. Ngāti Kahungunu has been an active voice in regional affairs, particularly in matters of local representation, Treaty responsibilities and community outcomes. Its leadership argues that major decisions affecting civic governance benefit from broader consultation and partnership, reflective of tikanga and collaborative practice.

The call for reconsideration highlights ongoing conversations in the region about how councils and iwi can work together constructively. Local government engagement with Māori authorities has been a recurring theme in wider policy discussions, including during previous referendums on Māori wards and representation.

At the centre of the current dispute is the question of how shifts in civic leadership are managed and communicated, and whether these processes reflect shared commitment to respectful governance. The dialogue between Ngāti Kahungunu and Napier City Council will continue in the coming days as both sides consider the implications of the decision and how to move forward with unity and accountability.