Māori Wards

Published: 28 August 2017

Last Updated: 17 May 2021

Napier City Council Te Kaunihera o Ahuriri is seeking community feedback on the establishment of Māori Wards.  In accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001, Councils have an opportunity to decide on whether to establish Māori Wards or not.

Pou whenua at Ahuriri carved by Hugh Tareha from Waiōhiki Marae.

Whatever decision is made by 23 November 2017 will apply to local body elections in 2019 and 2022 and any by-elections, so it’s important we hear from you. You have an opportunity to provide feedback until 13 September 2017.

What do you need to know before submitting your feedback?

Quick facts:

• The Local Government Act 2002 says that local authorities are to provide opportunities for Māori to contribute to its decision-making processes. Napier City Council has a Māori Consultative Committee which consists of representatives from the Māori community and Hapū. The Committee meets every 6 weeks and can make recommendations directly to Council across Council’s business. This Committee is currently under review.
• The Local Electoral Act 2001 provides the option to establish Māori Wards as a means of direct representation for those on the Māori Electoral Roll. If established, those on the Māori Electoral Roll would be able to elect candidates to represent them on Council.
• Māori Wards sit alongside the general wards and constituencies which cover the whole city.
• Anyone can stand as a candidate for a Māori Ward but only those on the Māori Electoral Roll can vote for the candidates. All elected members legally must act in the best interests of the entire city, whether they are elected through wards or city-wide (“at large”) constituencies.
• Approximately 12% of the total population of Napier City are enrolled on the Maori Electoral Roll.
• Council considered establishing Māori Wards in 2005, and 2011 but decided against establishing them.
• We can have up to 2 Māori Ward members, so 2 out of 12 councillors could be elected through Māori Wards.
• If you are interested in attending the Council meetings where Council will consider and decide on Māori Wards, the following meetings are relevant: Finance Committee on 25 October, and the Council meeting on 8 November.

For more information, you can click on this link to view the Information Paper on Māori Wards which was submitted to Council on 16 August or contact us on info@napier.govt.nz

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