Māori ward referendum threshold reached in Tauranga as protestors face off

Friday, 29 January 2021

Buddy Mikaere (left) led a demonstration in support of Maori Wards in Tauranga coinciding with Don Brash's public meeting.

A petition has triggered a $220,000 referendum on Māori wards in Tauranga as protestors supporting the wards made their voices heard.

Tauranga City councillors previously voted to introduce a Maori ward for the city, but now a petition to force a referendum has gained enough support to put the decision in doubt.

The news was heard at a heated speaking debate attended by supporters and opposers of Maori Wards at the Tauranga Yacht Club on Friday afternoon.

Those on both sides of the issue hurled insults, shouted and swore at each outside the unruly speaking event.

* Joel Maxwell: You're a loser, Don Brash, but I love you anyway

* OPINION: Māori ward debate addresses ignorance and inclusion

Western Bay Councillor Margaret Murray-Benge, who organised the meeting, told protesotrs to 'stuff up' and that they 'were doing their ancestors a great deal of harm.'

Maori Ward advocate Buddy Mikaere who called for the protest against the petition, said the wards were needed to ensure Māori had a voice in local government. He dubbed the legislation that allows a petition of five per cent of voters to trigger a referendum on them racist.

He then announced the signature threshold in Tauranga had reached the required five per cent.

This was met with cheers and applause from the crowd.

He then said he hopes Minister of Local Government Nanaia Mahuta will follow through on policy hints designed to remove the referendum clause. Mahuta is expected to make an announcement on the issue as early as next week.

Don Brash, Casey Costello and Elliot Ikilei spoke at the event against wards, calling them separatist, unnecessary and outdated.

Brash said with Māori ward opponant Winston Peters gone, the Labour Government had no constraint and he expected the law on the issue would change.