The Napier City Council was one of five councils that voted against establishing Maori wards for next year’s local body elections. The vote was unanimous. However, after substantial pressure that included a Treaty of Waitangi claim, the Council started consulting Napier residents on whether they want to establish Maori wards for the 2025 local elections. We need a city-wide vote on whether Napier should proceed with a Maori ward.

Why are the Auckland Council, Napier City Council, and Palmerston North City Council currently considering Maori wards? This is because they are required to do so by legislation, most especially Section 19 Z of the Local Electoral Act 2001, which allows all councils the option of establishing Maori constituencies or wards by resolution of council. If councils decide to establish Maori wards, the decision can be challenged by a poll of all voters.