Hypocritical criticism

I have to disagree with my fellow councillor, Moko Tauriki on a Māori Wards referendum. It is not hypocritical. A fundamental change to our democracy should only be done by a democratic decision. Cr Tauriki said it was hypocritical of this government to be directing mandatory processes for local government, yet that is exactly what Nanaia Mahuta did in 2021 when she directed mandatory Māori wards. One could say this is a hypocritical criticism. Likewise, his argument that “a demographic of people…will be making decisions for Māori” can be reversed. Should Māori on council be making decisions for other demographics? My understanding of the Treaty comes from Sir Apirana Ngata’s definitive 1922 book, ‘The Treaty of Waitangi – an explanation’. The Treaty was between Māori and the British Crown. Councils are not Crown entities – they provide services based on region, not ethnicity.

What makes democracy great is that it resolves disagreements by majority decision. So it is OK for Cr Tauriki to disagree with me on many subjects, and to continue to disagree with me after a referendum, but let’s have a referendum so the people can make their decision. If the people choose to deny race-based division, then I would encourage Cr Tauriki to stand in the general wards, and I can recommend voting for him. He is a decent bloke, a good councillor, and enjoyable to work with, regardless of our few disagreements - and many agreements.

Councillor Andrew Bydder, Cambridge

Editor’s note: Before 2021, a council vote to establish Māori wards could be subject to a referendum if at least 5% of electors demanded one. The changes removed this mechanism.