May 27, 2021
Auckland councilor wants ward law change
An Auckland councilor believes the majority of his colleagues would support Māori wards for the supercity – but it would require a change of legislation first.
By last Friday’s deadline, more than 30 councils around the country decided they would have Māori seated at the table after the next election.
Alf Filipaina says Auckland would have gone down that track, but for its unique legislation which sets a maximum of 20 seats around the council table.
"At the moment if we go through the kōrero and that on Māori wards, somebody will haver to lose their position, one of the councilors, because there is a maximum of 20, so I think 2025 is the earliest (to have Māori wards) if we have a legislative change," he says.
He’s pleased the council’s proposed Covid recovery budget retained the $150 million Māori outcomes fund, allowing council to contribute to initiatives like papakainga housing, Māori business, tourism and marae infrastructure development.
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