Dear John --

Earlier this week, the Labour Government introduced the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill under urgency.

The purpose of this Bill is to remove all mechanisms for binding polls to be used in determining whether Māori wards (for councils) and Māori constituencies (for regional councils) should be established.

We oppose this Bill because we support local people in local communities making decisions about their local government, not central government running roughshod over Kiwis democratic rights. We’re not opposed to communities establishing Māori Wards, but the people affected by that decision should have a say in it.

We will all ultimately get the community and country we deserve, and so if you care about this issue then you need to make a submission by 5.00pm today. Given the short time frames we have compiled a template submission response below, simply add your name and email and hit send.

Click here to make a submission on the Bill

The 78 councils across NZ already have well established obligations, under legislation, to work with Māori and help the Crown comply with its Treaty obligations. They should work out together how best to improve and deepen their relationship.

I’m not sure why this change is so critical and the most pressing priority right now with everything else that is going on in the local government sector.

Most importantly it is a shameful, arrogant and undemocratic process with no meaningful public consultation. Make sure you have your say and make a submission.

Regards

Christopher Luxon
Local Government Spokesperson

P.S. We only have until 5pm today to make submissions, so please share this online with your friends and family.