Māori Wards Are Democracy in Action, not a Privilege
Te Pāti Māori Co-leader and MP for Te Tai Hauāuru, Debbie Ngarewa-Packer says it’s time to call out the racist myths driving opposition to Māori wards and to mobilise communities ahead of October’s local government referendums.
At a public forum in Palmerston North, Massey University academic and former Crown historian Matt Wynyard joined a panel that dismantled false claims about Māori “special privilege” in local government. The Palmerston North City Council, like many others, will hold a binding referendum alongside this year’s elections to decide whether Māori wards remain.
“Māori wards honour Te Tiriti o Waitangi. They don’t undermine democracy they strengthen it” said Ngarewa-Packer.
“The real ‘special privilege’ is the status quo, where Māori voices have been excluded from local decision making for generations. Māori wards are about making the step towards balancing the table, so our underrepresented voices are finally heard and valued."
Ngarewa-Packer says opponents of Māori wards rely on misinformation, fearmongering, and political dog-whistling to protect the old boys’ club and preserve Crown dominance at the local table.
“We must be clear Māori representation is not a favour the Crown gives us. It is a right guaranteed under Te Tiriti. Every community in Aotearoa benefits when decision-making includes Māori perspectives, mātauranga, and leadership.”
Te Pāti Māori is urging whānau, hapū, iwi, and allies to campaign locally to retain Māori wards, host public information hui, and challenge misinformation in their communities.
“If we allow these wards to be stripped away, we send a message that racism wins. Let’s send a different message that our voices, our representation, and our mana motuhake are here to stay” concluded Ngarewa-Packer.
