Policies For Liaising With Māori

Working With Iwi Māori

The Manawatū District is home to a number of marae, hapū and iwi. In recognition of the important part they play within the community and because of a request from a Tangata Whenua Representative Group, a Marae Consultative Standing Committee was created in 1998. Its principal purpose was to liaise between Council and local Tangata Whenua.

The Marae Consultative Standing Committee underwent some changes over time, including expanding the membership and renaming the group to Ngā Manu Tāiko Manawatū District Council.

In May 2021, the Māori members of Ngā Manu Tāiko Manawatū District Council withdrew from formal engagements with the Council.

Māori Ward

The Local Electoral Act 2001 provides for the establishment of Māori Ward(s) and sets out timing and processes for how this is undertaken. In February 2021, the Local Electoral (Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Bill was passed by Parliament. This amendment to the Local Electoral Act 2001 removed all mechanisms for binding polls to be held on whether Māori wards or Māori constituencies will be established.

In May 2021, the Council resolved to establish a Māori Ward, which was later named Ngā Tapuae o Matangi. The first councillor to represent the Māori Ward was elected in the 2022 triennial elections.