Post by Kiwi Frontline on Apr 10, 2016 17:19:24 GMT 12
MAORI PARTY WANTS LAW CHANGE
The Maori Party is calling for a "long overdue" law change to establish Maori wards on every district council in New Zealand.
Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell will present a petition to Parliament at the urging of New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd, who championed the creation of a Maori ward in his city - a move blocked by a public vote last year.
Under existing legislation, councils can choose to establish Maori wards. However, if 5 per cent of voters sign a petition opposed to such a move, the decision then goes to a binding referendum.
Maori representation on local government has been a heated issue at times, with parties divided at the last general election.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Maori wards were separatist - a stance backed by the Act and Conservative parties - while National and Labour were not opposed to councils establishing Maori wards if they wished……
www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/379174/maori-party-wants-law-change
The Maori Party is calling for a "long overdue" law change to establish Maori wards on every district council in New Zealand.
Co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell will present a petition to Parliament at the urging of New Plymouth Mayor Andrew Judd, who championed the creation of a Maori ward in his city - a move blocked by a public vote last year.
Under existing legislation, councils can choose to establish Maori wards. However, if 5 per cent of voters sign a petition opposed to such a move, the decision then goes to a binding referendum.
Maori representation on local government has been a heated issue at times, with parties divided at the last general election.
New Zealand First leader Winston Peters said Maori wards were separatist - a stance backed by the Act and Conservative parties - while National and Labour were not opposed to councils establishing Maori wards if they wished……
www.odt.co.nz/news/politics/379174/maori-party-wants-law-change