Time’s Running Out to Vote — And Māori Wards Need Your Voice

With local body elections underway across Aotearoa, if you haven’t voted yet, now’s the time.  

This year’s local body elections are about more than just choosing councillors. Across the Wellington Diocese, referendums are being held that could remove Māori wards from local councils. It’s a move that would significantly impact Māori representation in local decision-making. 

Alex Johnston, Co-Director of Common Grace Aotearoa, says this moment calls for courage and clarity from the Church. 

“Supporting Māori wards is about honouring our faith, our history, and our covenantal commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi,” says Alex. “For many Christians, Te Tiriti is a living covenant. Māori wards are a small step towards affirming the promise of Tino Rangatiratanga, the right of Māori to make decisions about their lands, waterways and taonga.” 

“Where I live in Whanganui, there have been just 5 Councillors of Māori descent elected in 150 years. This last term has seen no Māori representation, despite Māori being 28% of the population here. By locking the door to Māori representation on councils, the people and the land are left worse off. 

In the lead up to the voting period, Common Grace ran a campaign to raise awareness about the importance of Māori wards, especially within faith communities. Their resources helped nearly 200 groups engage with this kaupapa in a grounded, hopeful, and Treaty-honouring way. 

“This is a gospel issue,” Alex continues. “Māori wards embody Kingdom diversity in the here and now and creates a democracy that fits us better.” 

Church leaders across denominations, Anglican, Presbyterian, and independent, have spoken in support of Māori wards. The Church played a role in translating and promoting Te Tiriti in 1840, and many believe it now has a moral responsibility to uphold its promises. 

“True partnership means Māori voices cannot be swallowed by majority rule,” says Alex. “Protecting Māori wards ensures the wisdom, worldview, and connection of tangata whenua remain central to shaping our common life.” 

So, with just days left in the voting period. Make sure you make your voice heard.  

“Let’s open the door to decisions that put care for our people and environment at the forefront of local and regional decision making,” says Alex.