Questions and answers about Māori wards

Since 1977, three out of 193 councillors in Napier have been Māori, which is 1.6%. Māori make up 24% of Napier's population, so in a fair representation system with 12 councillors for example, four Māori councillors would reflect the population.

While Māori can run in general wards, the actual representation doesn't match Napier’s demographics. This is a key issue behind Council's 2021 decision to introduce dedicated Māori wards.

Napier's population is mainly New Zealand European, with Māori being the next largest group. Napier's other ethnicities, such as Pasifika, Asian and others, do not have large enough numbers to justify separate ward representation. It would also require legislative change by central Government to be possible. Napier has one of the highest proportions of Māori roll voters compared to other city councils, highlighting the significance of Māori representation concerns in local governance.

Introducing Māori wards in Napier would not mean additional ongoing costs. The Government’s Remuneration Authority sets a fixed budget for Napier's Council, which remains the same regardless of the number or composition of councillors. 

At the 2021 hearing, 95% of submitters on the Māori roll expressed support for Māori wards. Additionally, all submitters who spoke to their submissions at the hearing expressed support for Māori wards.

Mana whenua leaders in Napier have consistently expressed their support for Māori wards to the Council.

No, legislation allows for Māori wards to be in place for two electoral terms (six years). After that they remain in place until a poll is initiated either by a Council resolution or by a demand by 5% or more of electors enrolled as eligible to vote at the previous triennial general election of the Napier territorial authority. The result of that poll will then take effect and remain in place for the following two electoral terms.

Māori wards operate under the principle of one person, one vote, ensuring no disproportionate voting power compared to non-Māori.

Candidates for Māori ward seats don't need to be Māori but must be New Zealand citizens, enrolled electors, and nominated by two people on the Māori Electoral Roll.

Based on Napier’s population proportions, legislation allows for two Māori ward councillors, with 11 or more councillors in total. This means under Council’s representation proposal of nine general ward councillors and two Māori ward councillors, Māori ward councillors will be 18% of the 11 proposed councillors. Māori make up 24% of the total population in Napier.

The allocation of Māori ward seats doesn't give Māori voters more voting power than others. Despite their significant population share, Māori representation on Napier City Council has historically been disproportionately low, prompting discussions about fair and effective representation.

Although Napier City Council’s Māori Committee, Ngā Mānukanuka o te Iwi, advises the Council on matters relevant to the Māori community, there remains a gap in direct participation in Council meetings, where final decisions are often made. Having Māori wards will guarantee Māori are represented at the Council table.