Kaikōura council votes against Māori ward as it’s ‘not the right time’
By David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter
Kaikōura's council has voted against creating a Māori ward after feedback from the local rūnanga.
Now is not the right time for a Māori ward, Te Rūnanga o Kaikōura chairperson Hariata Kahu said.
The rūnanga expressed concerns with the legislation on Māori wards, saying it would be undemocratic for Māori voters.
The Kaikōura District Council voted against establishing a Māori ward for the 2025 local government election, in support of the rūnanga’s feedback, at Tuesday’s council meeting.
"We believe there is a time for Māori Wards in our community, but we still believe this is not the right time," Kahu said.
"As Mana Whenua we have an obligation to manaki, awhi and tautoko (support) all those who reside within our takiwā."
Under the existing legislation, anyone of Māori descent would be able to stand in the Māori ward, even if they did not live in the district.
Anyone on the Māori roll would only be able to vote for the mayor and the one Māori councillor, whereas those on the general role would be able to vote for seven councillors under the present system.
Mayor Craig Mackle said the council shared the rūnanga’s concerns.
"The current legislation does not go far enough for either ensuring local Māori are appropriately represented within Māori wards or ensuring sufficient democracy in voting exists for both those on the Māori roll and the general roll."
The council has previously explored the option of a Māori ward and will continue to review options for ensuring there is a Māori voice around the council table, Mackle said.
In 2018, the council voted to establish a Māori ward, but it was defeated in a subsequent referendum.
A joint workshop between the council and the rūnanga was held in 2021, before the council decided against establishing a Māori ward based on feedback from the rūnanga.
Kahu said the rūnanga preferred to continue its existing relationship, where it held regularly hui with the council.
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