Source-linked briefing Politics

NZ plan to limit committee voting to elected members draws iwi backlash

NZ plan to limit committee voting to elected members draws iwi backlash

Local Government Minister Simon Watts announced changes to restrict voting on council committees to elected members, saying it protects democratic accountability. Local iwi leaders condemned the move as a “slap in the face,” warning it sidelines Māori voices in local decision-making.

Original headline

Limiting voting rights ‘slap in the face’ for iwi