Green Goals with Josh Cole

The Green Party has strongly opposed the elimination of Māori Wards and undoing years of advancement.

This action not only disregards the principles of Te Tiriti but also deprives Māori of the democracy they deserve.

Māori wards were created to ensure fair representation in local government, allowing the unique voices and needs of Māori to be heard and considered in decision-making processes.

Community feedback has demonstrated that these wards have effectively achieved equitable representation.

Despite warnings from the Ministry of Internal Affairs about potential Bill of Rights violations and issues of ethnicity-based discrimination, they appear to be determined to dismiss these concerns.

It was even advised that this legislation could be viewed as inconsistent with Te Tiriti and may prompt an urgent Waitangi Tribunal claim.

Contrary to assurances of providing certainty to councils for the upcoming local body elections in 2025, this legislation only introduces another layer of uncertainty and deprives councils of another decision-making function.

It is an unnecessary overreach as councils already have the authority to make decisions regarding the establishment of Māori wards, based on the feedback received from the communities and iwi they represent.

This is yet another instance of divisive politics, displaying little regard for the harm and cost it inflicts on grassroots communities.

This Bill must be rejected, as it undermines the progress made and the principles of fairness and inclusivity that New Zealand values.