Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson says growing attacks on Māori representation and proposals targeting vulnerable young people highlight the need for policies that address root causes rather than relying on punitive measures.
Speaking on a range of issues currently shaping the political landscape, Davidson warned that Māori communities continue to face disproportionate challenges that require long-term investment, meaningful representation and a stronger commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
One area of concern is the Government’s proposed move-on orders, which would give police greater powers to direct people away from public spaces.
Davidson says while communities want safer public spaces, the focus should be on understanding why rangatahi are ending up in harmful situations in the first place.
She argues that homelessness, poverty, mental health pressures, family violence, disengagement from education and limited access to support services are often driving factors behind youth offending and vulnerability.
Rather than expanding enforcement powers, Davidson says a Green approach would prioritise housing, youth services, mental health support, education pathways and community-led interventions designed to keep rangatahi connected and supported.
The Green Party leader also expressed concern over ongoing debates surrounding Māori wards and requirements for local government referendums.
Several councils have faced pressure over Māori representation arrangements, with some communities losing Māori wards following public votes.
Davidson says Māori representation should not be subject to political cycles or popularity contests and argues that Māori deserve guaranteed participation in decision-making processes that affect their communities.
She says Māori wards are one way local government can ensure tangata whenua perspectives are represented around council tables.
The debate has intensified further following signals from New Zealand First that it wants to abolish Auckland’s Independent Māori Statutory Board, Houkura.
Davidson says removing bodies such as Houkura would weaken Māori voice within local government and undermine mechanisms specifically designed to ensure Te Tiriti obligations are reflected in decision-making.
She argues that effective governance requires Māori participation at every level and says efforts to dismantle Māori representation structures risk taking New Zealand backwards.
The Greens have pledged to oppose any moves that reduce Māori representation and instead support stronger pathways for Māori involvement in local and national governance.
Meanwhile, Davidson says economic inequality remains one of the biggest challenges facing New Zealand.
The Green Party recently unveiled plans to reduce income tax for 96 percent of New Zealanders while increasing taxes on the country’s wealthiest individuals and large corporations.
The party argues that the current tax system places too much pressure on working households while allowing significant wealth accumulation to remain lightly taxed.
Davidson says a fairer tax system would help fund public services, reduce poverty and improve outcomes for communities that have historically been left behind.
For Māori, who continue to experience higher unemployment rates, lower average incomes and greater economic hardship than the general population, Davidson says tax reform is an important part of creating more equitable opportunities.
As the election campaign begins to gather momentum, Davidson says voters face a clear choice between policies that concentrate power and wealth or policies that strengthen communities, representation and collective wellbeing.
She believes the future of Māori voice, rangatahi wellbeing and economic fairness will be among the defining issues of the 2026 election.
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