■ It’s been just over a month since I stood on the steps of Parliament with Chris
Hipkins to welcome 15-year-old Jack Karetai-Barrett, fresh off his bike after completing a 900-kilometre journey from Whakatāne, writes Jo Luxton, Labour List MP based in East Coast.

He stopped in communities across the country to collect letters of support for Māori Wards – a kaupapa he has been passionate about for years. It was intended that this message would be delivered to Christohper Luxon, but neither he, nor any of his government ministers, attended.

Wind back five years, and these are the same steps where Jack handed over a petition to Labour MPs Tāmati Coffey and Nanaia Mahuta. It led to the law enabling Māori Wards to be established without being overturned at local referendums. This was a major step toward fairer representation in local government. Jack was only 10.

It’s not the first time I’ve met Jack – he has been championing Māori wards with his whānau for years, and it’s one that I, and our entire Labour Party, backs.

Māori wards are value-add and community-driven. They ensure that there are Māori voices at the decision-making table, representing and reflecting our local identities and local people. They are a clear example of our founding document, Te Tiriti o Waitangi, in action in our communities.

Labour supported the establishment of Māori Wards because we know that better decisions are made when all voices are heard. But now, Mr Luxon’s Government has undone the legislation, meaning Māori Wards are no longer a given.

Every council that wants to establish a Māori Ward must – as was the way before – put it to a public referendum.

This is a theme that is trending with this Government. Just as we thought that long battles for a more equal society were won – pay equity, or school lunches so our kids are fed – we are back here fighting to protect simple values against political games. These are not just policy reversals; they are real and major setbacks that stand in the way of equity and inclusion in our communities.

Instead of asking, “Why is this happening?” Jack asked, “How am I going to stop it?” This is the type of courage that our politics needs more of.

So, as these referendums return to our local voting papers in October, I’m asking you to do what Jack rode over 900 kilometres to protect: vote “yes” to Māori Wards.

As Jack put it best: let’s show Christopher Luxon who’s boss.