HERETAUNGA HASTINGS – As our region grows and evolves, so too must democratic institutions. Māori wards are not merely mechanisms for inclusion, they are vital steps toward fulfilling the promises of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and creating a democracy that fairly represents all voices.
Te Tiriti o Waitangi, signed in 1840, is the founding document of Aotearoa New Zealand that establishes a partnership between the Crown and Māori as tangata whenua (people of the land). This partnership calls for mutual respect, shared decision-making, and active collaboration.
It is fundamental that this relationship is honoured and reflected in all levels of governance, including local government, to ensure Māori have a meaningful role in decisions that affect their communities and whenua.
Māori wards give effect to this partnership by providing tangata whenua with a platform to engage meaningfully in decision-making processes that directly impact their communities and whenua.
They help address historic exclusion and ensure Māori voices have equitable representation in local government.
Contrary to misinformation, Māori wards are not exclusive to Māori candidates. These seats are open to any candidate willing to stand and are elected by voters on the Māori electoral roll. Representation is earned democratically, just like other wards.
Addressing Misconceptions and Moving Forward
There are many misunderstandings about Māori wards that need to be cleared up:
• Māori wards are not about separatism or dividing communities, they are about building true partnership and inclusion.
• They are not reserved seats; representatives must be fairly elected by voters on the Māori electoral roll.
• Māori wards do not cost ratepayers anything extra, they are already part of an existing funding pool.
• Māori wards do not give special privileges, they stand for fairness and equal representation after years of exclusion.
• They do not prevent anyone else from voting or standing in other wards.
• Instead, Māori wards ensure Māori voices are heard in local decision-making and help create stronger, more inclusive councils that work for everyone.
The term “race-based” is also being used in discussions about Māori wards, but why are we using this language? It is misleading and inflammatory. We already have wards that cater to a particular demographic, rural wards, for example, exist to ensure the rural demographic is represented in decision-making.
Māori wards work the same way, they ensure the Māori demographic has fair and effective representation in local government, just as rural wards ensure rural communities are represented and can even go deeper for marginalised communities.
Why Māori Wards Benefit Everyone
When councils better reflect the communities they serve, decision-making improves. Māori knowledge, values, and relationships with the environment bring holistic solutions to challenges like housing, climate change, and community wellbeing. This benefits all New Zealanders.
Greater Māori representation strengthens social cohesion and builds trust in democratic institutions , not only among Māori but across diverse groups who have historically felt marginalised.
Upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi means recognising and respecting the political rights of Māori as tangata whenua. Māori wards are a key mechanism for realising these rights in local government.
A Strong Stand for Our Region’s Future
Democracy is strengthened when it honours its founding document and reflects the diverse voices of its people. Māori wards embody this commitment , ensuring fairness, partnership, and meaningful participation for tangata whenua.
Māori wards are the best thing that could happen to our councils. Retaining them is a bold stand that declares our region is inclusive, unwaveringly strong, and resilient. It signals to the entire country that we proudly uphold the partnership promised in Te Tiriti o Waitangi and that our region will continue to champion Māori wards, now and always.
We must retain Māori wards
