“Butt out of our business,” Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown told the New Zealand Government after it moved to strip voting rights from unelected members of the Houkura Māori statutory board. The decision, announced by Local Government Minister Simon Watts, bans non-elected committee members from voting in council processes, a move the New Zealand Herald reported has sparked a confrontation between the mayor and central government.
Minister Simon Watts bans unelected voting rights
Local Government Minister Simon Watts confirmed that the policy change applies to all councils, ensuring that only elected representatives hold voting rights. Watts stated that democracy is non-negotiable and that voting rights must reflect the fact that elected representatives are accountable to their communities. While Houkura members can no longer vote, Watts noted they retain the ability to sit on committees and offer their views and advice.
Wayne Brown warns of Auckland Deal collapse
Mayor Wayne Brown accused the Government of “picking a fight” and breaching promises made to elected members. In a letter sent to Watts in July, Brown warned that removing voting rights for Houkura members could lead the Auckland Council to walk away from the Auckland Deal, a partnership aimed at regional investment and infrastructure. Brown described the policy as “ill-thought-through” and suggested the move might be influenced by the Government’s polling ahead of the election.
Houkura cites pattern of diminishing Māori influence
David Taipari, chairman of the Independent Māori Statutory Board (Houkura), said the amendment expressly and exclusively targets Houkura. Taipari claimed the move is part of a broader pattern that diminishes Māori participation and influence within local government. Despite the dispute, Taipari stated that Houkura remains committed to working with the council and central government to progress the Auckland Deal, calling their position “pragmatic.”
Conflicting accounts of consultation
The parties disagree on whether the policy change was properly communicated. Taipari stated the move came without proper process or meaningful consultation with the council or Houkura. Conversely, Minister Simon Watts maintained that the mayor’s office received a copy of the press release and amendment, and that the policy had been discussed during an Auckland Deal group meeting.
Houkura and government disagree on consultation and democratic principles
| Issue | Houkura / Mayor Brown View | Minister Simon Watts View |
|---|---|---|
| Consultation | Lack of meaningful process or consultation. | Discussed at meetings; mayor’s office notified. |
| Democratic Principle | Diminishes Māori influence in government. | Only elected members should have voting rights. |
| Auckland Deal | Threatened by “unnecessary” government meddling. | Policy is a standard application of democratic rules. |
Voting changes threaten Auckland Deal partnership
Why does this affect the Auckland Deal?
The Auckland Deal is a partnership between the council and the Government to secure infrastructure and economic development. Mayor Brown argues that the partnership relies on mutual respect and that the Government’s unilateral change to voting rights violates the principles of that agreement.
Will Houkura stop participating in council committees?
Members will still provide advice and sit on committees, though they cannot cast votes on decisions.
What is the specific target of the amendment?
According to David Taipari, the amendment exclusively identifies Houkura, meaning no other entity is similarly targeted by the removal of these specific voting rights.
“The Government’s made its decision, and we will see what happens,” Brown said.