Some supporters of Māori wards believe their opponents are racists who don’t want to share control with Māori. While there are always some racists and they can be vocal, it’s doubtful our community that is happy to return to Māori control over their land, fisheries and forests becomes anti-Māori when it comes to having a say about what happens to “my community”, or “my water“. It’s understandable, not racist, to ask why representatives who are not accountable to me should have a say in services for me.

The case for Māori wards comes directly from our constitutional obligations under the Treaty of Waitangi.

If the Government forces councils to hold referenda, then the question cannot be “Māori wards – yes or no?” It has to be a choice: “Māori ward, or the alternative which satisfies our obligation to Māori to have a say in the administration of their possessions.” Tell us what the alternative to Māori wards is.

Josie makes the case that power-sharing will only gain support when it engages with the reasonable concerns of the critics, who are Treaty partners too.