The place of Māori wards in a ‘quiet beacon of inclusivity’
As the Māori ward representative on the Porirua City Council, I’m deeply concerned by the recent Cabinet decision regarding the future of all Māori wards in local government.
The Government’s proposal is to either disestablish the Māori ward or keep these wards by way of binding referendum of all voters at next year’s 2025 local elections.
A referendum is not only unnecessary but also distracts from the pressing issues facing local councils such as water management and infrastructure development. It is disheartening to see resources diverted towards a potentially divisive debate when our focus should be on addressing the real needs of our residents.
One in five Porirua residents is Māori, and at the 2022 local government election we established a dedicated ward and were able to elect a representative to the Porirua City Council.
It’s far too early to assess the benefits or otherwise of our ward after only three years. It’s noteworthy, however, that Mayor Anita Baker recognised the significance of the establishment and appointed me deputy mayor after the 2022 election.
Having a distinct Māori voice, elected directly by those on the Māori roll, is important for our people in Porirua. Naturally, there is not one opinion from the distinct voices that elect a Māori representative. There is though, a shared approach to ensuring that views across the different Māori communities in Porirua, including those of Ngati Toa Rangatira as mana whenua, are heard on all issues and decisions that the council makes.
Should we do away with our Māori ward after just one term? The truth is that it’s early days yet. We need a bit more time than one three-year term before our communities can decide about whether to keep the ward or not.
We often talk about how positive our diversity is in Porirua, and the introduction of a separate Māori ward – and the lack of controversy surrounding it – is a testament to the acceptance of the different people and different viewpoints that reside in our beautiful city.
The Government’s decision to force an election, rather than allowing local choice, is very heavy handed and top down. Given their apparently strong views on the importance of community voice and ownership expressed through the Three Waters debate, you would be forgiven in thinking that they might have left it to individual councils and communities to decide for themselves. Sadly not.
However, in the lead up to the expensive binding referendum next year, I am confident we will have a respectful discussion across our communities in Porirua, about the pros and cons of formal Māori representation on the council.
My hope is that residents extend the mandate and recognise that far from separatism or special privileges, having a Māori voice in a community like ours is about inclusion – a “big tent” where many voices are heard.
I am proud to stand on the shoulders of a long list of Māori elected by all the people of Porirua, including my own father.
A Māori ward adds to the good things we already have going here, it doesn’t subtract, and it certainly doesn’t harm.
I will campaign to ensure that we continue to be a quiet beacon of inclusivity in Porirua and that we don’t buy into the division and anger that continues to be whipped up in other parts of the country.
Respectful korero is required as we deal with complex water, transport and fiscal issues facing our country, council and communities. Those are where the real challenges lie.
Māori are a crucial and distinct voice in all these issues, and we have a right to be at the decision-making table.
We will also do what we have always done and create dialogue and inclusion, even when there is very little offered back to us from some in our country’s leadership.
Kylie Wihapi is a Māori ward councillor and deputy mayor of Porirua City.