What Are The Ways Māori Can Participate In Local Government?
Consultation Processes
Community consultation processes aim to identify what is important to the current or future social, economic, environmental, or cultural well-being of the community.
All councils must have processes in place for consulting with Māori. This means that councils have processes in place before issues arise, rather than improvising the processes on an issue-by-issue basis. (see section 82)
Representation
Information about voting and becoming a councillor, and standing for office.
Māori Wards and Constituencies
Māori wards and constituencies establish areas where only those on the Māori Parliamentary electoral roll vote for the representatives.
Following local government elections, councils must publicise representation arrangements including the option of Māori wards and constituencies, and how to change these.
Consultation with Te Puni Kōkiri on proposed changes to local authority structure and boundaries
The Local Government Commission must consult with Te Puni Kōkiri, and any affected organisation identified by Te Puni Kōkiri, when considering proposed changes to local authority structure and boundaries. (see Clause 37 of Schedule 3)
The Local Government Commission
At least one member of the Local Government Commission must have knowledge of tikanga Māori, and must be appointed in consultation with the Minister of Māori Affairs. (see section 33)
Rates on Māori Freehold Land
Māori freehold land means land whose beneficial ownership has been determined by the Māori Land Court by freehold order. There are other types of land owned by Māori that are not the subject of this policy.
Each council can adopt its own policies on the remission and postponement of rates on Māori freehold land. (see sections 102 and 108)
