Post by Kiwi Frontline on Feb 12, 2021 4:17:01 GMT 12
THE REASON URGENCY IS BEING USED TO MAKE ESTABLISHING MĀORI WARDS EASIER FOR COUNCILS
The Government is scrapping the ability for Māori wards to be overturned by a local poll and is rushing through the law change before any more polls can go ahead before the 2022 local elections.
Under the current Local Electoral Act, a decision to establish a Māori ward or seat can be overturned by a local poll with 5 percent support from ratepayers. The policy does not apply to general wards, which is why it has been labelled unfair.
The legislation was sent to the Māori Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday evening. Submissions opened on Wednesday and close on Thursday afternoon, allowing less than 48 hours for people to submit on it, which National says is unfair.
Local Government Minister Nanaia said in Parliament councils can still hold non-binding polls to test the sentiment of electors on a number of issues, including the creation of Māori wards.
Mahuta has argued that the current law is "discriminatory" and has impeded on local councils being able to establish Māori wards so that Māori can have better representation at a local level.......
www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/02/the-reason-urgency-is-being-used-to-make-establishing-m-ori-wards-easier-for-councils.html
The Government is scrapping the ability for Māori wards to be overturned by a local poll and is rushing through the law change before any more polls can go ahead before the 2022 local elections.
Under the current Local Electoral Act, a decision to establish a Māori ward or seat can be overturned by a local poll with 5 percent support from ratepayers. The policy does not apply to general wards, which is why it has been labelled unfair.
The legislation was sent to the Māori Affairs Select Committee on Tuesday evening. Submissions opened on Wednesday and close on Thursday afternoon, allowing less than 48 hours for people to submit on it, which National says is unfair.
Local Government Minister Nanaia said in Parliament councils can still hold non-binding polls to test the sentiment of electors on a number of issues, including the creation of Māori wards.
Mahuta has argued that the current law is "discriminatory" and has impeded on local councils being able to establish Māori wards so that Māori can have better representation at a local level.......
www.newshub.co.nz/home/politics/2021/02/the-reason-urgency-is-being-used-to-make-establishing-m-ori-wards-easier-for-councils.html