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Māori representation remains a possibility on Auckland Council ‘s governing body, despite the introduction of Māori wards being deferred by councillors in October (HM Oct 30).
During an update from Council’s chief executive at the Governing Body meeting on November 23, Cr Kerrin Leoni asked for a way forward on Māori representation.
Weeks prior, councillors had voted down Māori wards, meaning representation is still lacking on the governing body. The advent of the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) during council’s amalgamation means Māori are represented on committees but not the governing body.
Cr Leoni said she was disappointed council could not get Māori wards across the line. “There’s a possibility that there could be two seats appointed by the Mayor, possibly mana whenua or IMSB,” Cr Leoni said, acknowledging that the legislation only allowed this to be for speaking positions without voting rights.
Chief executive Phil Wilson confirmed that was a possibility and that staff would look into it and advise the governing body accordingly as to how it could work.
During the debate for Māori wards Mayor Wayne Brown said it was probably a mistake during amalgamation to exclude the IMSB from the governing body.
