We collaborated for better Māori representation in local government
Earlier this month, we had the pleasure of working with Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori to deliver our combined petition in support of better Māori representation in local government.
It was a stunning event. We opened with a karakia and closed with the well-known 'Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi' waiata. Toni Boynton from Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori did a karanga as she delivered our two petitions in a kete. MPs from Labour, Māori and the Greens were all there to show their support. Whānau travelled from Taranaki, Rotorua and Whakatāne to be there on the day. Students from kura kaupapa also came along.
Together, with our community partners, we:
Launched and grew two petitions signed by 11,000+ people in support of giving Māori wards a fair go
Crowdfunded enough pūtea to support members of Te Rōpū Tautoko Māori to travel from Whakatāne to Wellington for the petition delivery
Coordinated powerful media coverage of our petition delivery and the need to increase Māori representation in local government, with stories from TVNZ, Te Karere, RNZ, NZ Herald, Newshub and Stuff
Garnered public support from the NZ Māori Council and the Race Relations Commissioner Meng Foon
Left more than 100 positive comments affirming the importance of Māori wards across multiple news stories on Facebook
When Tāmati Coffey received our petition he said that when it comes to changing the law that allows Māori voice to be blocked in local government, “it is not a matter of if, but when.”
This is wonderful news, and we’re grateful to everyone who signed a petition, donated to the campaign or volunteered their time.