A Hawke’s Bay community coalition has been formed to back Māori wards at referendums in September.

Called ‘For Wards Hawke’s Bay’, the multicultural group of people from across the political spectrum has come together because Māori wards are better for all, organisers say.

The group’s public launch on Wednesday will be chaired by former Hawke’s Bay Regional Council chairman Rex Graham.

"I am really happy to support this endeavour to secure Maori wards for our region," Graham says.

"Maori wards add to our democracy and fit into its essential principles of 'one person one vote' and accountability to the electorate."

Speakers at Wednesday’s launch at the Clive Hall will include Hastings Presbyterian minister the Rev Jill McDonald, Hastings Takitimu Māori Ward councillor Heather Te Au-Skipworth, President of the Hawke’s Bay Multicultural society Rizwaana Latiff, and Hayley Whittaker from the Public Service Association.

All supporters of Māori wards are welcome to attend the meeting on Wednesday July 23 at the Clive Hall. Doors open at 5pm and the brief speeches are from 5.30 to 6pm.

For Wards Hawke’s Bay co-ordinator Neill Gordon says Hawke's Bay is coming together to support Māori Wards.

“For Wards Hawke's Bay is a community coalition of people from throughout the region - business and community leaders, old and young, tangata whenua and tangata tiriti, workers, faith leaders . . . who all recognise that Māori having a seat at the decision-making table means better decisions for all.”

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Hawke’s Bay councils are among 42 nationwide holding a Māori wards referendum with the local body election postal vote that opens September 9 and closes October 11. Wairoa was the first council in New Zealand to introduce a Māori ward following a referendum in 2019. Voters there will take part in the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council referendum.

Historically, Mãori have been significantly under-represented in local government. In Napier there have been just three Māori councillors in 150 years and just a handful in Hastings.

Candidates standing in Māori wards are elected by voters on the Māori roll, the same as for the Māori seats in Parliament.

It’s the same democratic principle as with rural council wards, which ensure people in remote areas have guaranteed representation and their voice isn't swamped by larger urban populations.

There are no extra costs and councils with existing Māori wards say it saves money because better decisions are made for all, consultation happens properly and court cases are avoided.

Gordon says that “Democracy is many things – MMP, First Past the Post, a House of Lords . . . Democracy comes in many flavours. Fundamentally, democracy is about ensuring fair representation and that’s exactly what Māori wards are designed to do.”

“No matter who we are or where we come from, most of us want a future where people and the environment are well cared for.

“But some people and groups are trying to divide us, and divert us from these concerns that matter to so many of us. At times, this division has meant our councils are not able to make the best decisions for our long term, ones that put care for people and our environment first.

“Māori wards have been a positive solution. By bringing in Māori culture, knowledge and ways of life, councils have become a better reflection of our communities and our shared concerns. Māori ward councillors have helped harness our collective strength by weaving our communities together so our councils can make better, long-term decisions that benefit all of us, and the places we love.”

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