We want a vote on Māori wards!

Susan @DEMOCRACYACTION
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Nov 27, 2020
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< November 2020 newsletter

We want a vote on Māori wards!

The Local Electoral Act’s binding poll system is a form of direct democracy that enables local electors to choose for themselves by simple majority vote whether or not they support race-based council representation. However, to trigger a poll 5 percent of electors must support a petition to hold the referendum. Campaigns to do so have already started in several regions.

Please offer your support and encouragement to those who are standing up for the right to have a say on whether we support designated race-based seats at the council table.

New Plymouth

The petition is well underway, having already gathered over half of the signatures needed to force a poll. However, this is not without its challenges, with a counter-group doing its darndest to sabotage this initiative, including a threat to start a boycott war against any businesses who dare to offer the public the opportunity to sign the petition. This was followed last week by the bizarre apology by the editor of the Stuff Taranaki newsroom, for publishing the petition advertisement.

If you can help New Plymouth, please contact:

Kevin Moratti: email [email protected] or phone: 0274-246868

Murray Chong: phone 021 936837

Tauranga

In Tauranga, the petition facilitators report that the response from Tauranga residents has been overwhelmingly supportive. Already delivered 2,260 signatures have been delivered to the Chief Electoral Officer and they are close to attaining another 1,000 signatures. This support is demonstrated by a recent SunLive poll, which is running at 87% opposed to a Māori ward, giving a clear indication of local sentiment.

A Notice of Motion to hold a referendum on Māori wards concurrently with the upcoming by-election was put forward by four councillors – Hollis, Kiddie, Robson and Morris - at an extraordinary meeting held on 20 November. This proposal would have had considerable cost savings for the council. However, it was voted down after an at times acrimonious meeting. You can watch a video recording of the meeting by clicking HERE.

If you are able to help with the Tauranga petition signature gathering, please contact Concerned Citizens at: [email protected]

If you would like to send your views and/or messages of support or disapproval to Tauranga councillors, their contact details are available HERE

Northland

Democracy Northland has been established to spearhead a campaign to gather enough signatures to demand polls in the Kaipara District Council, Whangarei District Council and Northland Regional Council areas. This campaign has gotten off to a flying start, with hundreds of Northlanders already signed up. However, as much of Northland consists of rural communities, gathering enough signatures - 11,000 all up - will be challenging. If you or anyone you know can help in any way, please visit the Democracy Northland website for forms and contact details. You can also visit the Democracy Northland Facebook page here.

RNZ coverage: 'Hundreds of Northlanders opposed to Māori wards have already signed up to New Zealand's biggest opposition polling demand campaign. ....'

Former Northland Regional Council deputy chair John Bain feels so strongly about our broken democracy that he resigned from his position when the council took the decision to introduce separate seats based on race without a poll being taken. Please click HERE to see the reasons why John felt compelled to take such a stand.

Please note, the signatories on the petitions must be on the electoral roll for the area concerned.

Last Monday, 23 November, both the Taupō and Gisborne District Councils voted to establish Maori wards in their areas. The Taupō resolution was supported by the majority, with councillors Anna Park, John Williamson and John Boddy voting against it. In Gisborne, the vote was unanimous.

Let the councillors know what you think about their decision to establish Māori wards. The contact details for the Taupō Mayor and Councillors are available HERE. And for Gisborne HERE.

Latest media coverage

Waatea News: Ruapehu District Council has decided to introduce Māori Wards in time for the 2022 local body elections

Taranaki Daily News: Unanimous South Taranaki District Council vote for Māori wards is welcomed

RNZ: Ōpōtiki votes to poll ratepayers on Māori wards

Waatea News: Hawkes Bay makes cautious stop towards Maori seats

RNZ: Petitions launched to scupper Northland councils' Māori wards

Bay of Plenty Times Tauranga City Council decides not to hold referendums on a Māori ward, rubbish, STV

The Gisborne Herald: Unanimous vote for Maori wards

Rotorua Daily Post: Taupō district council votes to adopt Māori ward seats

Go back to the November 2020 newsletter

Local Government Review Call for Submissions

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A Ministerial review into the future for Local Government is underway “to consider how New Zealand’s system of local democracy and governance will need to evolve over the next 30 years, in order to improve the wellbeing of New Zealanders, and actively embody the Treaty partnership”. Ārewa ake te Kaupapa – Raising the platform Continue reading

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Taupō District Council throws democracy under the bus!

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Are the current murmurings of Mt Ruapehu a sign that the gods are not happy with the new Taupō Council agreement? Taupō District Council recently signed a Mana Whakahono ā Rohe agreement with Ngāti Tūrangitukua that has taken a statutory obligation under the RMA much further than required under the legislation - to a whole new level of co-governance. This agreement includes of a range of policy, planning and operational areas outside of the RMA. Continue reading

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Submission on the Canterbury Regional Council (Ngāi Tahu Representation) Bill

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Future for Local Government Review signals Treaty-based local governance

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Local Government update

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Government plans a local government system that actively embodies the Treaty partnership. On 23 April 2021 the Minister of Local Government established a review into the future for Local Government: “The overall purpose of the Review is, as a result of the cumulative changes being progressed as part of the Government’s reform agenda, to identify how our system of local democracy and governance needs to evolve over the next 30 years, to improve the wellbeing of New Zealand communities and the environment, and actively embody the Treaty partnership”. Continue reading

Tauranga citizens to be further disenfranchised

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The anti-democratic madness continues apace in Tauranga. Following the Government-appointed Commissioners recent decision to establish a Māori ward, they have also agreed to a new committee – the Strategy, Finance and Risk Committee - which embodies the 'Treaty partnership', but goes further than that, effectively shutting out the wider community. Continue reading

Māori wards update - May

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Even though time and time again referenda have shown that most New Zealanders are opposed to race-based voting systems, 24 local authorities have recently either made the decision to proceed with Māori wards or have indicated an intention to do so. In addition to those mentioned in the April edition of the Democracy Action newsletter, the following have voted to proceed down this path: Continue reading

The cost to ratepayers of implementing the partnership principle

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Further Councils Considering Establishing Māori Wards

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Local Body Elections 2019

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Hastings District Council joins the Hall of Shame

Apr 08, 2019

A big thank you to those who contacted Hasting District councillors to encourage them to vote against the proposal to enable four members of the Maori Joint Committee to sit and vote on the council’s four standing committees. Unfortunately, enough councillors (10-4) felt able to turn their back on democracy by appointing unelected Maori to all committees. Continue reading

Good News - designated seats for Ngāi Tahu voted down

Apr 08, 2019

New Zealand First has scuppered Labour's bid to give Ngāi Tahu permanent seats on the Canterbury Regional Council, saying its special treatment for Māori. Shane Jones acknowledged the party's long-held position against separate seats for Māori on local body councils. Continue reading

Auckland Council’s ‘Our Water Future’ - Remember to have your say

Apr 08, 2019

Auckland Council recently released a discussion document on developing ‘a water strategy to ensure a secure, sustainable, and healthy future for water in Auckland’. We covered this issue in the March update, but to briefly recap, as to the advancement of a co-governance agenda, concerns centre on the following statements: Continue reading

The Waikato District Council Blueprint Project

Apr 08, 2019

It appears every act of special entitlement is simply used as a stepping stone to further power. We see an example of this in the Waikato District Council’s Blueprint project, with its pitch to build on the Joint Management Agreements and other agreements with iwi, and the proposal to appoint a ‘Maori Partnership Manager’ “to sit with the CE group, which will, appropriately, facilitate a “chief to chief” relationship” – with the assistance of an operational support person. There are only a few days left to have provide feedback. Go online to have your say by 5pm Monday 8 April. Continue reading

IS POSTAL VOTING UP TO SCRATCH?

Jun 10, 2023

The integrity of our electoral system is critical to upholding our democratic system. However, the 2022 election exposed serious issues about the way we conduct local body elections. Continue reading

Proposed changes to our electoral system

Nov 06, 2022

The Ministry of Justice is currently reviewing our electoral law. The government-appointed Independent Electoral Review panel is inviting feedback on the future of our electoral system. Continue reading

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Sep 02, 2022

Candidate nominations for this year's local body elections have closed, and campaigning for a place at the council table is well underway. Now is the time to ask the contenders the crucial questions – before casting our votes we need to know their intentions and their stance on issues of concern. Continue reading

Urgent judicial review of discriminatory Rotorua Council Bill

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“It is premature to declare victory over the Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill”, writes Rotorua Councillor Reynold Macpherson. “It has not been withdrawn, only ‘paused’. If you want to defend democracy against co-governance, please submit an Affidavit in Support of a private citizen’s application for a judicial review”. Continue reading

Locals campaign to restore democracy at Tauranga City Council

Apr 06, 2022

The Government has decided to extend the stay of Tauranga City Council’s commissioners for a further two-and-a-half years. The dissolution of the elected council in February 2021 was always meant to be a temporary emergency measure with full local democracy restored in 2022. However, the Wellington-appointed commissioners asked the Government to delay local elections for at least another year, which the Minister of Local Government, Nanaia Mahuta, obligingly extended until July 2024. Continue reading

Rotorua Lakes Council pushing for Māori co-governance

Apr 06, 2022

The Rotorua Lakes Council no longer believes in one person one vote, each of equal value. Instead, it believes that if you are not Māori, your vote should be worth less. The Council is currently pursuing a law change to enable an undemocratic representation model to be implemented. The model it prefers would consist of three Māori ward seats, three general ward seats, and four at-large seats. However, adopting this arrangement would give the 19,791 citizens on the Māori roll 2.6 times the voting power of the 51,618 citizens on the general roll. Continue reading

Time to Vote - Local Body Elections 2019

Oct 04, 2019

Voting in local body elections is under way, with the poll closing noon 12 October. With the push for co-governance and partnership arrangements gathering speed, there’s a lot riding on our choices this election. The next three years will make a huge difference to our future. Continue reading

Vote for me! Local body elections 2019

Sep 04, 2019

The upcoming election gives us the opportunity to voice our opinions, to hold elected representatives to account, and to vote for what we believe in. So please take all opportunities to question those standing for office. You could also identify those candidates you can support and offer your help as they campaign. We at Democracy Action believe our representatives should be voted on merit, not race. As Gisborne Herald columnist, farmer, community worker, and heritage consultant Mr Clive Bibby writes in his article 'Diversity best achieved naturally' “The majority of people do not judge by colour, religion, age, sex or disability. They judge you by what you believe in, what you hope to do, what you bring to the table, whether you will work hard for them and represent their voices at the council or health board table.” Continue reading

The welcome reinstatement of a democratic right

Jul 01, 2024

A more democratic approach to Māori wards is being proposed by the government, one which would allow voters to challenge any decision made by councils regarding Māori wards through a binding poll. This proposal is outlined in the Local Government (Electoral Legislation & Maori Wards & Maori Constituencies) Amendment Bill. Continue reading

Democracy Action oral submission to Auckland Council re: designated Māori seats

Oct 02, 2023

Oral submission to the Auckland Council Governing Body on 2 October 2023 Good morning your worship Mayor Brown and Councillors. Thank you for this opportunity to share our views on the council’s proposal to introduce designated Māori seats. I am here representing Democracy Action – a group of citizens advocating for the protection of democracy and equality of citizenship. Continue reading

Auckland Council rejects Māori seat proposal

Oct 28, 2023

After an impassioned debate, Auckland Council voted 11-9 against establishing Māori seats at the 2025 local body elections. Instead, they accepted a proposal put forward by Mayor Wayne Brown to look at Māori representation as part of a wider governance review to be undertaken by a working party made up of councillors and local board members. The working party has been asked to report back to the governing body by 31 December 2024, thereby missing the deadline to establish Māori seats for the 2025 election. Continue reading

Kāpiti Coast Council proposes Māori ward

Oct 01, 2023

Kāpiti Coast District Council is seeking the community’s views on whether to establish a Māori ward. A Māori ward councillor would represent citizens on the Maori roll. Feedback closes at 5pm Friday 13 October. See: https://haveyoursay.kapiticoast.govt.nz/MaoriWard Continue reading

Māori seats for Auckland Council: Yes/No? Have your say

Sep 09, 2023

Citizens of Auckland - please take this opportunity to say whether you want the council to introduce Māori seats. Consultation closes at 11:59pm on Sunday 24 September 2023. Auckland Council is currently seeking feedback on their proposal to introduce up to three dedicated Māori seats. Continue reading

Aucklanders' views to be sought on Māori wards

Aug 10, 2023

Following preliminary engagement with iwi and urban Māori in 2022, Auckland Council will shortly be asking Aucklanders for their feedback on whether they support - or do not support - the introduction of a dedicated Māori seat/s on Council. Public consultation will run from 21 August until 24 September. Continue reading

No intention to consult with Auckland citizens on Māori wards

Apr 06, 2022

Auckland Council is about to engage with mana whenua and mātāawaka about the creation of dedicated Māori seats but have made no plans to consult with the wider Auckland community - even though one of the two models under consideration does not comply with the important democratic principle of proportionality. The adoption of one of the models - the recommendation put forward by the Royal Commission when the supercity was established - would allow for three dedicated seats, thereby increasing Māori representation to a level greater than their proportion in the population. Continue reading

Update on separate Māori representation on councils

Jun 04, 2021

Photo: Political lobbying - tikanga style Manawatū District Council chambers 20 May 2021 – how to turn a No to Māori wards vote to a Yes In a flurry of activity leading up to the final date to amend governance arrangements for the 2022 local body election, thirty-five councils have opted to establish Māori seats, some making an abrupt about-turn at the last minute after intense lobbying from iwi. Continue reading

Māori seats in local government a step to 50-50 power share

Jun 04, 2021

Photo: Andrew Judd hiding from a taniwha Before the ink has dried on the establishment of separate Māori seats on 38 councils, calls for "more equitable representation and a partnership with Māori" in a 50/50 power sharing model have arisen - not only from Māori sovereignty activists, but also from some councillors. Continue reading

Campaign to overturn direct democracy hots up

Nov 27, 2020

Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta is vowing to remove the public poll option when councils vote to create Māori wards. Mahuta, who retained the portfolio after the October general election, said she was "all ready to go once the government is formed". Continue reading

Compulsory Māori seats touted for Northland

Aug 03, 2019

Northland Māori are making a push for greater representation in local government, renewing calls for local Māori seats. Some say government intervention is necessary and that may include compulsory Māori seats. Pita Tipene of Ngāti Hine laments that local government legislation and processes are "shutting out our people". Continue reading

Maori wards supporters want to overturn the Māori ward poll law

Mar 08, 2018

In response to the binding poll in Palmerston North, a lobby group in the Palmerston North/Manawatu area has launched a campaign to promote the introduction of Maori wards, and to encourage voters to say "yes" to Māori wards in the upcoming referendums. A report on their campaign launch is available here. As well as campaigning to promote Māori wards, supporters want to overturn the law which enables voters to challenge any Māori ward decision through a binding poll. Continue reading

Countering The Campaign To Abolish The Poll Provision

Apr 04, 2018

Local Government New Zealand (LGNZ), along with the Green Party and ex-New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd, are agitating to remove those sections of the Local Electoral Act 2001 that allow for electors to vote on whether or not a city, district or region can establish Māori wards. Continue reading

Maori wards for local authorities?

Dec 07, 2017

Four more councils have voted to foster racial division - councillors in Palmerston North, Manawatu, Whakatane and Western Bay of Plenty districts have voted to proceed with separate Maori wards, doing so without consulting their constituents. It is now over to locals to demand a vote. Help is being sought to collect signatures for petitions to spark polls in these areas. Continue reading

Citizens Get To Vote On Maori Wards - Congratulations To All Concerned!

Mar 08, 2018

Thanks to the hard work of locals, in some cases with the support of the people at Hobson’s Pledge, all five councils that voted to introduce Māori wards, (i.e. Manawatu, Whakatane, Western Bay of Plenty, Palmerston North and Kaikoura), will now be polling their citizens in a binding referendum as to whether they support Māori wards for their area. See Hobson’s Pledge media release here.

LGNZ's Campaign to Abolish the Poll Provision

May 04, 2018

Local Government NZ (LGNZ) is campaigning vigorously to abolish the sections the Local Electoral Act 2001 which relate to the rules for binding citizens initiated polls concerning the establishment of Maori wards. The members of National Council of LGNZ want its members to be able to impose Maori wards unchecked - thereby depriving members of local communities of an individual democratic right expressly written into law. For a comprehensive and well researched essay on this issue, please click HERE. This essay, authored by Michael Coote - a freelance writer and financial journalist - was published on the NZCPR website on 22nd April. Michael explains what LGNZ is seeking, and the reasons why. Continue reading

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< November 2020 newsletter