Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Top Scoops

Book Reviews | Gordon Campbell | Scoop News | Wellington Scoop | Community Scoop | Search

 

Rejection of Māori wards: 'It's horrendous'

Māori wards have now been rejected in five binding referendums across the country.

Former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd said the results reflect persistent racist attitudes. Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller

More than 70 percent of voters in Manawatu and Western Bay of Plenty voted against having dedicated Māori representation on their councils.

In Palmerston North, 68 percent voted against, and in Kaikōura, preliminary results show 80 percent voted against.

It was closer in Whakatāne, where 55 percent voted against Māori wards on the district council.

Former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd, who tried to establish a Māori ward in his district in 2014, said the results reflected persistent racist attitudes.

"I'm not surprised. It was obviously a template of what happened here in New Plymouth and it highlights the fact that this is broken, this is wrong.

"Seriously the government needs to step up and show some real leadership because these results divide communities - it's horrendous."

In all five referendums, the voter turnout was about 40 percent.


Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

© Scoop Media

 
 
 
Top Scoops Headlines

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.