Post by Kiwi Frontline on Aug 18, 2024 5:33:43 GMT 12
MINISTER REJECTS CALL FOR EXEMPTION OVER MĀORI WARD POLL
Voters did not have long enough to petition for a referendum in three districts where councils opted for Māori wards in 2020, the Government says.
Ruapehu, South Taranaki and Gisborne district councils will now be required under new legislation to hold referendums along with all other councils that introduced Māori wards without polling the community.
The three councils wanted an exemption from this requirement because they resolved to introduce Māori wards in October and November 2020 - prior to a Labour Government law change.
As required under the law at the time, each publicly notified its decision, advising voters of their right to a poll to overturn the decision.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the previous Government removed the petition option in February 2021.
“I don’t consider three months long enough for communities to have their say in a petition,” Brown told Local Democracy Reporting.....
www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/17/minister-rejects-call-for-exemption-over-maori-ward-poll/
Voters did not have long enough to petition for a referendum in three districts where councils opted for Māori wards in 2020, the Government says.
Ruapehu, South Taranaki and Gisborne district councils will now be required under new legislation to hold referendums along with all other councils that introduced Māori wards without polling the community.
The three councils wanted an exemption from this requirement because they resolved to introduce Māori wards in October and November 2020 - prior to a Labour Government law change.
As required under the law at the time, each publicly notified its decision, advising voters of their right to a poll to overturn the decision.
Local Government Minister Simeon Brown said the previous Government removed the petition option in February 2021.
“I don’t consider three months long enough for communities to have their say in a petition,” Brown told Local Democracy Reporting.....
www.teaonews.co.nz/2024/08/17/minister-rejects-call-for-exemption-over-maori-ward-poll/