Maori Wards

Maori carving beside state highway 29A overlooking Rangataua Bay.

I have had a query about Maori wards.

I am writing as you are running for Mayor of Tauranga.

1. Do you support the Coalition Government’s plan to have binding referenda about Maori wards?

2. Do you support or oppose Maori wards in Tauranga?

I think that this should be a national politics issue, with a national referendum. We have had a Labour coalition government who pushed Maori Wards. We now have a National coalition government who would like to give local communities more choice. We will have another change of government at some point, with the Labour coalition pushing Maori Wards again. It is largely dictated by national politics in Wellington. If elected Mayor, or Councillor, Tauranga Council will have to follow the law, there is no other option.

In principle I am opposed to having separate groups in the electorate for any reason. We are all Tauranga residents. Creating separate wards for any group encourages self interest policies and can be divisive. In a democracy, we should all be equal as Tauranga residents, rather than some residents being more equal than others. I would prefer that we all work together, rather than against each other.

My main criteria for Maori Wards is does it help Tauranga, Does it help run the city for all the residents, rather than just one special interest group. We will have the opportunity to see how well it all works over the next four year term. I would prefer to leave national politics to parliament. I do think that it is a good idea to give the community a say via a referendum. That might be a moot point, if an incoming Labour coalition forces Maori wards on councils.

So to answer question 1, yes I support a referendum. To answer question 2, I would prefer not to have separate Maori Wards. I think we should have a national referendum on this issue.