Post by Kiwi Frontline on May 2, 2024 5:11:48 GMT 12
FORMER NORTHLAND COUNCILLOR SAYS MĀORI WARDS FINE – IF POLLS HELD
A former Northland local government leader who resigned in protest over his council bringing in a Māori ward says he would be happy with this form of political representation.
But the former Northland Regional Council (NRC) deputy chair and councillor John Bain said that was only if the public voted for them to be introduced, continued or removed, rather than councils alone making the call.
“I am not against Māori wards, I am against councils deciding on these for themselves, without asking their people first,” Bain said.
“Democracy is so important it must be put to the people to see where the chips fall.
“If a proper legitimate poll was held and 50.01 per cent voted to have a Māori ward, I would be happy to have this as it was elected in a democratic way.”
Bain welcomed the coalition Government’s plan to bring back compulsory binding polls for Māori wards, saying it was great for democracy.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2405/S00034/former-northland-councillor-says-maori-wards-fine-if-polls-held.htm
A former Northland local government leader who resigned in protest over his council bringing in a Māori ward says he would be happy with this form of political representation.
But the former Northland Regional Council (NRC) deputy chair and councillor John Bain said that was only if the public voted for them to be introduced, continued or removed, rather than councils alone making the call.
“I am not against Māori wards, I am against councils deciding on these for themselves, without asking their people first,” Bain said.
“Democracy is so important it must be put to the people to see where the chips fall.
“If a proper legitimate poll was held and 50.01 per cent voted to have a Māori ward, I would be happy to have this as it was elected in a democratic way.”
Bain welcomed the coalition Government’s plan to bring back compulsory binding polls for Māori wards, saying it was great for democracy.....
www.scoop.co.nz/stories/AK2405/S00034/former-northland-councillor-says-maori-wards-fine-if-polls-held.htm