A new local grassroots campaign team is urging all residents to vote “yes” to keeping Māori wards in the upcoming binding referendum.

The referendum is a direct attempt by the Coalition government to remove Māori representation from local government, says the Keep Māori Wards Whakatāne 2025 campaign. This would be a major step backwards for the district.

The referendum will be held alongside the Whakatāne District Council elections, which close at noon on October 11. Its results must take effect in 2028.

“This is hugely disappointing. The referendum is needlessly putting at risk our Māori ward councillors, who have successfully served our community as a whole over the past three years,” said campaign team member Ruth Gerzon.

“Our mayor and councillors have attested to the value they add to council decision making. They’ve strengthened relationships and trust between council, iwi and hapū, improved decision-making, helped with emergency response, and ensured fairer representation of Māori in line with Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

“By bringing Māori perspectives, knowledge and ways of life into council decision-making, our Māori ward councillors have made our council a truer reflection of our communities and shared concerns.”

Erin Green, another team member, said there was a simple reason to keep the Māori wards.

“Māori have historically been very under-represented in local government, and they should have a voice at the council table.

“It’s deeply unjust that rural wards can be created and retained to represent rural voices, without a referendum – yet Māori wards are singled out and forced to face a costly public vote simply to continue to exist.”

She said even residents who did not plan to vote for councillors, could still support keeping specific Māori voices on the council.

“You just need to open your voting papers, which will come in the post, and vote ‘yes’ to keep Māori wards.

“It’s on the same voting form. Then you have to  return the form in time for it to be counted.”

A major issue in the last local body elections was that 64 percent of people who received voting papers didn’t vote.

“If even a portion of these people fill out the referendum, it could make all the difference for our community,” said team member John Malcolm.

“The Māori wards are not about special benefits for Māori that others don’t receive. They are about fair and equitable representation.

“Māori wards work just like general wards. All councillors represent the whole district, but Māori, urban and rural voters get to choose councillors who also understand their communities and perspectives.”

Māori wards were introduced to Whakatāne District Council for the 2022 elections. In 2018, during the last referendum to establish Māori wards, Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori was set up and received extensive support from Iwi, hapū, marae, Māori land trusts, kura, kohanga, sports clubs, community, former mayors and councillors.

The Keep Māori Wards Whakatāne rōpū will be calling on that support again for the 2025 referendum.

The Keep Māori Wards Whakatāne 2025 campaign is part of a national movement to support Māori wards called Decide Together, Thrive Together www.maoriwards.nz.

The campaign is also encouraging supporters to request billboards and signs to display around the district. Visibility matters - every ‘Yes to keep Māori wards’ sign is a conversation starter.

People can email [email protected]  to request signage or to connect with the campaign team or phone 027 815 1532 for further information.

“This is our opportunity to stand up for fair representation,” Ms Gerzon said. “Open the envelope. Fill out the referendum. Make your voice heard.”

How to Vote in the Referendum:

• There is no single voting day. You can post your vote or go to a polling booth at a Council centre. These are open from September 9-October 11.
• Voting papers will be sent to all registered voters between September 9 and 27.
• If you don’t get your papers, you can still go to a polling station and cast a special vote.
• You can complete the referendum section even if you do not vote for councillors.
• Completed papers can be posted back (allow time for delivery) or dropped at the Whakatāne District Council office.
• Voting closes at 12 noon on October 11