A bill that could enable an equal number of Māori ward and general ward seats in Rotorua if passed into law will encounter its first significant hurdle today – its first reading in Parliament.
The Rotorua District Council (Representation Arrangements) Bill was drafted by the council to enable the model, which is currently unlawful under the Local Electoral Act.
The Local Electoral Act has a formula that limits the number of Māori ward seats based on population sizes.
The bill seeks an exemption for the Rotorua district from that rule.
Rotorua-based Labour list MP Tāmati Coffey is the bill's sponsor.
Parliament's order paper for today states allowance for two 10-minute speeches and nine five-minute speeches on the bill.
Debate is expected to begin about 2pm and can be viewed on-demand on the Parliament website or on Parliament TV.
After the debate, Parliament will decide if the bill will progress and be referred to the select committee.
If it reaches the select committee, the bill will be subject to public submissions.
If the bill does not pass before June 1, it will not apply to the 2022 local election and the council will have to proceed with its interim model.
That model has one Māori ward seat, one general ward seat and eight at large seats, but may change as it is currently being considered by the Local Government Commission, which can overturn the council's decision.
-Local Democracy Reporting is public interest journalism funded by NZ On Air
3 comments
No, No, No
Posted on 06-04-2022 14:10 | By Yadick
I don't care where it is. Eligibility should be the best person for the job. If that's all Maori then so be it, if it's all European then so be it, if it's all Asian then so be it. Everyone has exactly the same opportunity. There is no place for racial discrimination. Equal opportunity.
So
Posted on 06-04-2022 17:01 | By Let's get real
It's going to be passed whether it's good for the country or not. A majority in parliament is all that's required, whether you have a mandate from the nation or not. The current government can claim the most diverse government in history and it's a great example of diversity over aptitude and also an example of how nothing much gets done because of inexperience and inability. We shouldn't be forced into accepting numpties in positions of influence at any level.
Still disgraceful
Posted on 06-04-2022 20:29 | By Let's get real
I will never support a system that establishes a privilege based on racial identity. However, I will happily support anyone from any ethnic background if they have the skills and experience needed to fulfil all of the challenges of the role they are endeavouring to gain. Removing the ward system would allow for a fair election of the best people for the job, irrespective of race, religion or gender. If anyone is claiming that I or anyone else is racist when it comes to deciding who the best candidates are at the ballot box, they do themselves no favours and are making excuses for poorly considered candidate choices. Look at Parliament and tell me which members are only there because of their racial identity and which are there because of their perceived abilities. Put up a strong candidate and relinquish the back door. Too difficult...?
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