Post by Kiwi Frontline on Nov 29, 2023 5:01:30 GMT 12
WAIKATO COUNCILS GET COALITION CURVEBALL OVER MĀORI WARDS
At least nine Waikato Councils will face uncertainty over the future of Māori seats as changes brought by the new coalition government become clear.
Under the coalition deal electors would again be able to force a referendum on proposed or established Māori seats at councils, with those already established without them up for review.
But there’s deep concern from local Māori leaders and councillors at the switch back.
The move is a return to pre-2021 rules under which a referendum on a council decision to introduce Māori wards or constituencies was required if 5% of voters demanded one.
That had been scrapped by Labour which saw referenda as an “insurmountable barrier” to improving Māori representation in local government.....
www.waikatotimes.co.nz/a/nz-news/350119447/waikato-councils-face-coalition-curveball-over-maori-wards
At least nine Waikato Councils will face uncertainty over the future of Māori seats as changes brought by the new coalition government become clear.
Under the coalition deal electors would again be able to force a referendum on proposed or established Māori seats at councils, with those already established without them up for review.
But there’s deep concern from local Māori leaders and councillors at the switch back.
The move is a return to pre-2021 rules under which a referendum on a council decision to introduce Māori wards or constituencies was required if 5% of voters demanded one.
That had been scrapped by Labour which saw referenda as an “insurmountable barrier” to improving Māori representation in local government.....
www.waikatotimes.co.nz/a/nz-news/350119447/waikato-councils-face-coalition-curveball-over-maori-wards