Frank Newman: The future of local government
BY FRANK NEWMAN 19 February 2021 The Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill has not even passed …
Some are saying this issue is about racism, when in fact it’s about democracy.
Three of Northland’s four councils are proposing to introduce Maori wards (or constituencies): The Northland Regional Council (NRC), the Whangarei District Council (WDC), and the Kaipara District Council (KDC). These councils made that decision without consulting the community at large and in fact voted against doing so.
Introducing race-based wards would be a significant change to our local democracy. It would divide the council by race. Race will determine who you can and can’t vote for depending on whether you are on the Maori or General roll.
All we are asking is that the public sign our petition calling on the council to hold a poll (binding referendum) on this issue. It will then be up to the community to have a debate on the merits or otherwise of race-based wards.
There are only three local authorities in New Zealand that currently have race based representation. In many more cases a council decision to have race based seats has been over-turned after councillors were forced to hold a binding referendum.
Please mail the petition forms to Democracy Northland, PO Box 334, Whangarei 0110. Or alternatively you can scan or photograph the form and email to: info@democracynorthland.co.nz.
Please mail the petition forms to Democracy Northland, PO Box 334, Whangarei 0110. Or alternatively you can scan or photograph the form and email to: info@democracynorthland.co.nz.
Please mail the petition forms to Democracy Northland, PO Box 334, Whangarei 0110. Or alternatively you can scan or photograph the form and email to: info@democracynorthland.co.nz.
BY FRANK NEWMAN 19 February 2021 The Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill has not even passed …
February 15, 2021 The Minister of Local Government has struggled to make her case for a law change under urgency. Graham …
By Frank Newman Let me talk you through the latest issue of the Whangarei Leader. It’s Whangarei’s only free …
Copyright © 2020 Democracy Northland All Rights Reserved.
Designed by 1768degrees.com – Platinum Digital Marketing Solutions – Web Design – SEO.