Press Release
ISSUED BY AFFORDABLE AUCKLAND
Independent Maori Statutory Board

No Election for These Council Votes

The Mana Whenua Selection Body, sanctioned by the Minister of Maori Affairs, has announced appointments to the Independent Maori Statutory Board. The IMSB has power to not only advise Council, but also have up to two members participate in Governing Body votes.

Affordable Auckland Mayoral candidate Stephen Berry labels the appointments a “racist affront to liberal democracy.” Mr Berry said today, “I call upon the National Government to abolish the Independent Maori Statutory Board before the appointees begin their tenure on November 1.”

“I passionately believe in equality of all people before the law whatever their race. The IMSB creates an entrenchment of racial privilege which voters have no chance to influence or dislodge. The fact this unelected body has votes reserved for it on an otherwise democratically elected council is truly disturbing.”

“While the Council has no power to dislodge the IMSB, Council does control the Board’s funding. If I am elected I will work to minimise this funding as much as possible and use it to contribute to the rates cuts program I have promised for all Auckland ratepayers.”

The Affordable Auckland ticket includes Stephen Berry standing for Mayor, Waitemata & Gulf ward and Waitemata Local Board; Niko Kloeten standing for Franklin ward and Local Board; Peter Chan standing for Waitakere Local Board and Heidi Bale standing for Whau Local Board.

ENDS

Stephen Berry
Affordable Auckland candidate, Mayor/Waitemata & Gulf/Waitemata

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