Hastings District Councillors have today unanimously resolved to retain the Takitimu Māori ward.
Council introduced its Māori Ward at the 2022 local body election after undertaking community engagement to gauge support, which it says showed 76% of participants were in favour.
The requirement for a binding poll of residents had previously been removed from the Local
Electoral Act 2001 in 2021, but was reintroduced earlier this year through the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Constituencies) Amendment Bill, which has now been enacted.
The Act applies to councils that established Māori wards after the 2021 law change, and Council had until September 6 this year to formally resolve whether to affirm the ward or disestablish it.
Hastings Mayor, Sandra Hazlehurst said Council voted to retain the Māori Ward in May, however, the legislation passed by Government required the vote to be taken again.
“Our council strongly voted in support of the inclusion of a Māori Ward at the 2022 election, I remember it was a triumphant day, with former iwi chair Ngahiwi Tomoana leading a chorus of the Māori Battalion’s March to Victory and Te Taiwhenua o Heretaunga chair Mike Paku saying that Māori had waited 180 years to sit at the table,” she said.
“I wish to acknowledge our inaugural Māori Ward councillors Ana Apatu, Kellie Jessup, Renata Nepe and Heather Te Au Skipworth.
“I have seen first-hand the positive change these councillors have made over the past 18 months to support a healthier, stronger and more unified community.
“Our relationship with mana whenua has never been stronger, and it is disheartening that we are now required by Government to revisit this decision, one that we should be trusted to make for ourselves given we know our community – that is true localism.”
As part of the decision today, Councillors asked Council’s chief executive to seek advice on the consequences of retaining the ward and not undertaking a poll.
They also agreed to participate in a local government petition to the Crown seeking equal
treatment of Māori, and not requiring binding polls as a pre-requisite for Māori representation in local government.
A binding poll on whether or not to retain today’s ward vote decision will be held at the same time as the 2025 local government election. The results of the binding poll would come into effect at the 2028 local body elections, and apply to the 2028 and the 2031 elections.
