26 August 2009
Media Statement

Labour tables amendment to guarantee Maori seats

Labour’s Maori caucus today tabled an amendment guaranteeing Maori seats on the new Auckland council, says Labour’s Maori Affairs spokesperson Parekura Horomia.

The Supplementary Order Paper, lodged by Mita Ririnui, proposes that Maori seats on the council be established in the same way as the Maori seats in Parliament.

This means the number of Maori seats on the new council would be allocated according to the number of Maori on the Maori roll, Parekura Horomia said.

“Labour is advocating for 25 seats on the new Auckland council, in order to ensure each ward councillor represents about the same size population as each Auckland electorate MP. It would be bizarre to have fewer councillors in Auckland than there are MPs.

“Under Labour’s plan and if current boundaries were maintained – this would result in two Maori seats around the council table. That number could increase if more Maori signed onto the Maori roll. Boundary changes to Auckland region could also affect the number of seats.

“The issue of Mana Whenua representation on the council is important and I will be introducing further amendments to the Local Government (Auckland Council) Bill to ensure statutory recognition of Mana Whenua on the Auckland Council.”

“I introduced a similar piece of legislation in 2001, establishing Maori seats on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council which now has three Maori seats. It was pleasing to see yesterday that the Environment Bay of Plenty Chairman John Cronin said the Maori seats there were working well,” Mita Ririnui says.

“Maori councillors have typically accounted for only about four to five per cent of all councillors elected across New Zealand. We must do more to increase Maori participation in local government - and as in Parliament, dedicated Maori seats are an appropriate mechanism.

“This was the view of the majority of submissions on the issue to the select committee on Auckland governance, which have been ignored,” Mita Ririnui says.

“We’re seeking the support of other parties. I’ve spoken to Maori Party co-leader Pita Sharples today and we plan further discussions,” says Parekura Horomia.

ENDS

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