Information Forum on Māori Electoral Ward

What would be the benefits of having a Māori electoral ward in New Plymouth District?

Join former Race Relations Commissioner Joris De Bres and other speakers next week at a public forum on Māori representation in local government.

Also speaking will be Bay of Plenty Regional Council Chairman Doug Leeder (CRCT: LEEDER), who will share his experiences of the council having three seats for Māori councillors.

The information evening on Tuesday 21 April comes just two days before voting papers are mailed out to registered voters for the referendum on whether or not New Plymouth District should have a Māori electoral ward. The event will be streamed live via newplymouthnz.com with a recording made available the following day.

“We’re holding this forum because we want people to understand the benefits of establishing one seat at the Council table for a Māori Ward councillor,” says Mayor Andrew Judd.

“The guest speakers will talk from their experiences and there’ll be a chance to take questions from the audience.

“I encourage people to come along or to watch online so they can consider the points raised before they cast their vote.”

Also speaking on the night are WITT counsellor and Treaty of Waitangi educator Margaret Smith and the Mayor. Further speakers will be confirmed shortly.

The forum will be moderated by Taranaki Daily News Editor Roy Pilott.

The forum starts at 7pm next Tuesday and will be held at the Civic Centre in New Plymouth.

NPDC decided in September last year to establish a Māori electoral ward for the next two election cycles, with only those registered on the Māori Electoral Roll able to vote on candidates in that ward.

In late February this year it was confirmed a binding citizens-initiated referendum would be held on whether a Māori electoral ward should be established.

Voting packs start to be delivered to registered electors on Thursday next week (23 APRIL) with polling closing at noon on Friday 15 May.

ENDS

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