Expenditure limit ‘frustrating’

depending on the population.’’

For Nelson’s Māori ward, the expenditure limit is based off the city’s total Māori population rather than the number of voters enrolled on the Māori role or the proportion of Māori in Nelson.

But Paki Paki thinks the approach is flawed and fails to consider lower Māori participation in elections.

‘‘The Māori population has been disconnected with the electoral system for so long there is an intergenerational distrust that their vote or opinion even makes a difference,’’ he said.

‘‘This is a monumental challenge by itself that we are required to overcome.’’

Goldsmith agreed with Paki Paki on the challenges faced by Māori ward candidates.

‘‘The point of the introduction of the Māori ward and other wards is to get more inclusion and we, the Māori ward candidates, are already excluded,’’ he said. ‘‘We all know the stats on voting turnout and for Māori it’s even less.’’

The Central and StokeTāhunanui wards have a population of about 6400 per ward councillor.

Candidates standing in these two wards have an expenditure limit of $20,000.

But the successful Māori ward candidate will represent about 3300 Māori with an expenditure limit of $3500, just 17.5% of $20,000 rather than a more proportional figure of about $10,000.

‘‘Our Māori community deserves good representation too, just as much as the rest of the community and this policy hamstrings our effectiveness to get the message out there and be well supported,’’ Paki Paki said.

‘‘Just like the rest of the society, we want to find the best amongst us to inspire us and to serve us.’’

ANDREW BOARD Nelson Māori ward candidate Kahu Paki Paki says the lower election expenditure limit for him and fellow candidate Bernie Goldsmith restricts their effectiveness in engaging Māori.