Frank Newman: Different views on Māori Wards

With local body elections looming, Frank Newman of the New Zealand Centre for Political Research argues strongly against Māori wards, saying councils are not Treaty partners and that Māori are already well represented in governance.

He believes Māori have multiple avenues for influence without needing separate wards and points to low turnout in Māori ward elections as evidence that most do not want them.

Newman warns that Māori wards risk deepening social divisions in an already fractured society, arguing unity should be the priority. Voting papers are due back by 11 October, and he stresses that the most important thing is to participate and have a say.


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Frank Newman is an investment analyst and accountant, who has lectured in property matters at Massey University. He served two terms as a councillor on the Whangarei District Council and is the author of numerous books on investment matters