Māori wards for future local elections

Whanganui District Council has resolved to establish Māori wards for the 2025 and 2028 local government elections. The decision was made following a vote by councillors at a council meeting on Tuesday, 24 October. Mayor Andrew Tripe says this marks a huge milestone for Whanganui District Council. “The aim of Māori wards is to provide an opportunity for Māori to be fairly represented on the council. I hope the introduction of Māori wards will increase participation in our democracy and encourage Māori to share their views and aspirations. He says, “Māori wards do not replace the strong existing relationships the council has with Hapū, Iwi, Mana Whenua, Tangata Whenua, Māori individuals and Whānau, and our obligation to consult with these groups and individuals will not change with the decision to establish Māori wards. Instead, they can act as an additional mechanism within the council’s decision-making process.” The decision took place in the council chamber with each councillor sharing their view. A final vote resulted in eight councillors voting for Māori wards and five voting against establishing Māori wards. Mayor Andrew says that the majority of votes against were due to the view that the electoral legislation is flawed, which most councillors agreed with. A number of councillors agreed to lobby central government to seek change in legislation.

Twenty Hapū, thirteen Marae, two Iwi, and two Rūnanga were also contacted and invited to share their views. The council received formal letters of support from the two Iwi, and from Te Rūnanga o Tamaupoko who represent five Hapū from the middle section of the Whanganui River to Mount Ruapehu. Four other Hapū also confirmed their support.

The decision whether or not to have Māori wards was up for review due to a recent change in government legislation that asks councils that do not have Māori wards to decide whether to have specific Māori representation.

For more information, please read the council’s media release at: