Saturday April 18, 2026
News:
Shane Jones invited to support law change to protect local democracy
ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton is calling on NZ First Minister Shane Jones to back a simple law change to protect democratic accountability, following his comments on the Far North District Council.
“After an unusual attack on Councillor Davina Smolders, who stood up against co-governance by stealth at the far North District Council, Mr Jones now says he opposes co-governance after all. There’s an unmistakable signal he can send, if he’d like to support elected councillors like Davina, and reinforce his commitment to one person, one vote at every council in this country,” says Mr Luxton.
"He should be clear about whether he supports a straightforward change to the law that removes voting rights for unelected committee members.....
See full article HERE
Waitangi Tribunal told draft history curriculum badly written and inaccurate
The Waitangi Tribunal has been told the draft school history curriculum is badly written and inaccurate.
It has also heard that the government should not have last year cut schools' legal obligation to enact the Treaty of Waitangi.
The tribunal this week held an urgent inquiry into that decision and into curriculum changes following complaints by teacher union the Educational Institute and Northland iwi Ngāti Hine and hapū Te Kapotai.....
See full article HERE
New Plymouth Distrcit Council steps up Waitangi Treaty duties despite ACT challenge
New Plymouth councillors have begun fusing their Treaty of Waitangi obligations into long-term planning for the district - despite an ACT party councillor saying the move isn't democratic.
A review by Buddle Finlay found New Plymouth District Council should do more to meet its treaty obligations under the Local Government Act and the Resource Management Act.
Despite an overall "very positive" impression, the review found the council could do much more to strengthen relationships with iwi and hapū, and "achieve genuine partnership in a way that respects and upholds Te Tiriti obligations".....
See full article HERE
Te Ao Māori News returns to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Seven newsrooms based in Aotearoa, the US and Canada will work together to cover a range of issues, including the impact of armed conflicts and critical mineral mining.
This year, Indigenous New Alliance (INA) will be driven by a dedicated, on-the-ground reporting team from Whakaata Māori, IndigiNews, Mongabay, and Grist. The team will report directly from the United Nations headquarters, bringing frontline perspectives directly to readers from the global convening.....
See full article HERE
Partnership Milestone: Application Lodged for City’s Main Water Supply
A joint consent application to secure Rotorua city’s main drinking water supply for the next 35 years has been lodged, marking a significant milestone in a partnership between Rotorua Lakes Council and Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara.
Ahead of the application being filed with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, councillors and staff from the regional council were last month hosted at the Karamu Tākina puna, located at the base of Tihi‑o‑Tonga, off Great West Road.
The site, set within native forest, holds deep ancestral significance for Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Guest Post: One Thing Leads to Another
Bob Edlin: Te Papa is now being criticised for trying to reduce staff numbers...
Propaganda:
Luxon Government Can No Longer Mask Racism In Education Reforms
Black Ferns adopt tikanga Māori to replace captains run
See full article HERE
Waitangi Tribunal told draft history curriculum badly written and inaccurate
The Waitangi Tribunal has been told the draft school history curriculum is badly written and inaccurate.
It has also heard that the government should not have last year cut schools' legal obligation to enact the Treaty of Waitangi.
The tribunal this week held an urgent inquiry into that decision and into curriculum changes following complaints by teacher union the Educational Institute and Northland iwi Ngāti Hine and hapū Te Kapotai.....
See full article HERE
New Plymouth Distrcit Council steps up Waitangi Treaty duties despite ACT challenge
New Plymouth councillors have begun fusing their Treaty of Waitangi obligations into long-term planning for the district - despite an ACT party councillor saying the move isn't democratic.
A review by Buddle Finlay found New Plymouth District Council should do more to meet its treaty obligations under the Local Government Act and the Resource Management Act.
Despite an overall "very positive" impression, the review found the council could do much more to strengthen relationships with iwi and hapū, and "achieve genuine partnership in a way that respects and upholds Te Tiriti obligations".....
See full article HERE
Te Ao Māori News returns to the UN Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues
Seven newsrooms based in Aotearoa, the US and Canada will work together to cover a range of issues, including the impact of armed conflicts and critical mineral mining.
This year, Indigenous New Alliance (INA) will be driven by a dedicated, on-the-ground reporting team from Whakaata Māori, IndigiNews, Mongabay, and Grist. The team will report directly from the United Nations headquarters, bringing frontline perspectives directly to readers from the global convening.....
See full article HERE
Partnership Milestone: Application Lodged for City’s Main Water Supply
A joint consent application to secure Rotorua city’s main drinking water supply for the next 35 years has been lodged, marking a significant milestone in a partnership between Rotorua Lakes Council and Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara.
Ahead of the application being filed with Bay of Plenty Regional Council, councillors and staff from the regional council were last month hosted at the Karamu Tākina puna, located at the base of Tihi‑o‑Tonga, off Great West Road.
The site, set within native forest, holds deep ancestral significance for Ngāti Kearoa Ngāti Tuara.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Guest Post: One Thing Leads to Another
Bob Edlin: Te Papa is now being criticised for trying to reduce staff numbers...
Propaganda:
Luxon Government Can No Longer Mask Racism In Education Reforms
Black Ferns adopt tikanga Māori to replace captains run
This Breaking Views Update monitors race relations in the media on a weekly basis. New material is added regularly. If you would like to send Letters to the Editor in response to any of these articles, most media addresses can be found HERE.
Friday April 17, 2026
News:
Shane Jones calls Far North councillor Davina Smolders’ co-governance complaints ‘perverse’, ‘pathetic’
Shane Jones has labelled an Act councillor’s complaints that a co-governance “takeover on steroids” was happening in the Far North as “perverse” and “pathetic”.
Following a social media firestorm sparked by Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward councillor Davina Smolders over Māori involvement in local body politics, the Far North District Council yesterday voted to expand a Māori liaison committee.
News:
Shane Jones calls Far North councillor Davina Smolders’ co-governance complaints ‘perverse’, ‘pathetic’
Shane Jones has labelled an Act councillor’s complaints that a co-governance “takeover on steroids” was happening in the Far North as “perverse” and “pathetic”.
Following a social media firestorm sparked by Bay of Islands-Whangaroa ward councillor Davina Smolders over Māori involvement in local body politics, the Far North District Council yesterday voted to expand a Māori liaison committee.
New Zealand First Cabinet minister Shane Jones, who is based in Kerikeri and has long been an advocate for Northland, said Smolders’ complaints are a “bad look for the north” and shows she’s “probably not worthy of being a councillor”.
“I just think it’s pathetic that we can’t sort out local political issues locally,” he told Ryan Bridge TODAY. “I’ve met the lady once who has made the complaint, but she’s better off sorting her issues out as a member of the council.
“Not only does it show she’s probably not worthy of being a councillor, it’s a bad look for the north.”
Smolders told the Herald: “Shane Jones would have a point if Far North voters actually had full control of the council.
“But the reason I’ve called for a Crown Observer is precisely because democratic control is being undermined by unelected appointees, and by co-governance, which I thought New Zealand First opposed”.
At yesterday’s [Wednesday] meeting, councillors voted (nine to one with one abstaining) to confirm representatives from specific hapū to sit on the council’s Te Kuaka committee. Smolders was the single opposing vote.
Once appointed, those representatives would hold full speaking and voting rights alongside elected councillors on a committee tasked with shaping Māori strategic relationships and embedding Te Tiriti-based partnership in council decision-making.....
See full article HERE
ACT to campaign on reversing democratic backslide in local government
ACT will campaign to amend the Local Government Act to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees on local council committees.
ACT will campaign to amend the Local Government Act to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees on local council committees.
“If you’re voting on council decisions, you should be accountable to the people paying the bills. That means facing free and frequent elections,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.
“At a growing list of councils, democracy is being eroded. Unelected appointees sit alongside elected representatives, with the power to override their decisions or swing crucial votes.....
See full article HERE
Investment strengthens resilience for two Tākitimu marae - Tama Potaka.
Two Hawke’s Bay marae damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle will be rebuilt in safer locations following a $27.6 million Government investment, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.
Through the Whenua Māori and Marae Pathway, the Government has approved
$11.54 million for Petāne Marae and $16.06 million for Tangoio Marae to relocate and rebuild after both sites were severely affected by flooding in 2023.....
See full article HERE
Court of Appeal hears challenge over Ōtāhuhu maunga tree felling
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority and an Ōtāhuhu resident were back in court on Wednesday in a long-running fight over consent to remove hundreds of trees.
Ōtāhuhu resident Shirley Waru previously challenged Auckland Council's 2021 decision to grant the authority resource consent to remove 278 exotic trees from her local reserve and maunga, Ōtāhuhu Mount Richmond.
In a 2024 decision, the High Court found the council had inadequate information to assess the temporary adverse affects of removing the trees, and set aside the non-notified consent.....
See full article HERE
Hastings councillor threatens legal action over water services entity plan
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum says she’s disappointed councillor Steve Gibson is threatening the council with legal action after losing a vote to stop a tangata whenua representative being appointed to a water forum.
Gibson claims there has been “unlawful consultation and decision-making” around the governance structure for a new entity being set up to deliver water services in Hawke’s Bay.
He claimed ratepayers had not been told the final structure of the water entity’s “board” would comprise three councillors, three iwi representatives and three appointed experts.
Gibson said the council needed to stop work on progressing the proposed water services entity governance structure or he would initiate a judicial review.....
See full article HERE
Tauranga council considers restoring te reo name for Ōmanawa Falls Reserve
The Tauranga City Council may revert the name of the Ōmanawa Falls Reserve to its original te reo Māori to reflect the historical significance of the area.
Ngāti Hangarau has provided the name Te Rere o Ōmanawa for the reserve south of Tauranga, which features a 35m waterfall famed for its beauty.
“Ōmanawa” translates to “of the heart”, and the full name means “the waterfall of the heart”.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Did Māori Invent Trench Warfare?
David Farrar: Are Labour trying to throw the seat to Te Pati Maori?
Videos:
Duncan Garner: Voting And Speaking Rights Given To Unelected Iwi Up North
Elliot Ikilei: Gore District Council To Infuse Māori Values Into Their New District Plan
Davina Smolders and Sean Plunket update the Far North Co-Governance Issues
Propaganda:
Mike Smith Condemns ‘Racist Backlash’ Over Māori Roles in Far North Council
News:
Far North councillors vote to expand controversial Māori liaison committee
Far North councillors on Wednesday voted to expand a Māori liaison committee which has been at the centre of a nationwide social media firestorm.
More than 100 people, many carrying flags and home-made banners, gathered outside the Far North District Council chambers in Kaikohe ahead of this morning's meeting to finalise the committee's membership.
“I just think it’s pathetic that we can’t sort out local political issues locally,” he told Ryan Bridge TODAY. “I’ve met the lady once who has made the complaint, but she’s better off sorting her issues out as a member of the council.
“Not only does it show she’s probably not worthy of being a councillor, it’s a bad look for the north.”
Smolders told the Herald: “Shane Jones would have a point if Far North voters actually had full control of the council.
“But the reason I’ve called for a Crown Observer is precisely because democratic control is being undermined by unelected appointees, and by co-governance, which I thought New Zealand First opposed”.
At yesterday’s [Wednesday] meeting, councillors voted (nine to one with one abstaining) to confirm representatives from specific hapū to sit on the council’s Te Kuaka committee. Smolders was the single opposing vote.
Once appointed, those representatives would hold full speaking and voting rights alongside elected councillors on a committee tasked with shaping Māori strategic relationships and embedding Te Tiriti-based partnership in council decision-making.....
See full article HERE
ACT to campaign on reversing democratic backslide in local government
ACT will campaign to amend the Local Government Act to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees on local council committees.
ACT will campaign to amend the Local Government Act to prohibit voting rights for unelected appointees on local council committees.
“If you’re voting on council decisions, you should be accountable to the people paying the bills. That means facing free and frequent elections,” says ACT Leader David Seymour.
“At a growing list of councils, democracy is being eroded. Unelected appointees sit alongside elected representatives, with the power to override their decisions or swing crucial votes.....
See full article HERE
Investment strengthens resilience for two Tākitimu marae - Tama Potaka.
Two Hawke’s Bay marae damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle will be rebuilt in safer locations following a $27.6 million Government investment, Māori Development Minister Tama Potaka says.
Through the Whenua Māori and Marae Pathway, the Government has approved
$11.54 million for Petāne Marae and $16.06 million for Tangoio Marae to relocate and rebuild after both sites were severely affected by flooding in 2023.....
See full article HERE
Court of Appeal hears challenge over Ōtāhuhu maunga tree felling
The Tūpuna Maunga Authority and an Ōtāhuhu resident were back in court on Wednesday in a long-running fight over consent to remove hundreds of trees.
Ōtāhuhu resident Shirley Waru previously challenged Auckland Council's 2021 decision to grant the authority resource consent to remove 278 exotic trees from her local reserve and maunga, Ōtāhuhu Mount Richmond.
In a 2024 decision, the High Court found the council had inadequate information to assess the temporary adverse affects of removing the trees, and set aside the non-notified consent.....
See full article HERE
Hastings councillor threatens legal action over water services entity plan
Hastings Mayor Wendy Schollum says she’s disappointed councillor Steve Gibson is threatening the council with legal action after losing a vote to stop a tangata whenua representative being appointed to a water forum.
Gibson claims there has been “unlawful consultation and decision-making” around the governance structure for a new entity being set up to deliver water services in Hawke’s Bay.
He claimed ratepayers had not been told the final structure of the water entity’s “board” would comprise three councillors, three iwi representatives and three appointed experts.
Gibson said the council needed to stop work on progressing the proposed water services entity governance structure or he would initiate a judicial review.....
See full article HERE
Tauranga council considers restoring te reo name for Ōmanawa Falls Reserve
The Tauranga City Council may revert the name of the Ōmanawa Falls Reserve to its original te reo Māori to reflect the historical significance of the area.
Ngāti Hangarau has provided the name Te Rere o Ōmanawa for the reserve south of Tauranga, which features a 35m waterfall famed for its beauty.
“Ōmanawa” translates to “of the heart”, and the full name means “the waterfall of the heart”.....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Colinxy: Did Māori Invent Trench Warfare?
David Farrar: Are Labour trying to throw the seat to Te Pati Maori?
Videos:
Duncan Garner: Voting And Speaking Rights Given To Unelected Iwi Up North
Elliot Ikilei: Gore District Council To Infuse Māori Values Into Their New District Plan
Davina Smolders and Sean Plunket update the Far North Co-Governance Issues
Propaganda:
Mike Smith Condemns ‘Racist Backlash’ Over Māori Roles in Far North Council
Thursday April 16, 2026
News:
Far North councillors vote to expand controversial Māori liaison committee
Far North councillors on Wednesday voted to expand a Māori liaison committee which has been at the centre of a nationwide social media firestorm.
More than 100 people, many carrying flags and home-made banners, gathered outside the Far North District Council chambers in Kaikohe ahead of this morning's meeting to finalise the committee's membership.
Unusually, the gathering was called not to protest the council's plans, but as a show of support for its direction and for embattled Mayor Moko Tepania......
See full article HERE
Voice of the North: Iwi march as council confirms new members of Māori committee
In response, iwi leaders transformed the routine appointment of Mane Tahere and Wallace Rivers, representing the iwi collective Te Kahu o Taonui, into a broader reaffirmation of their place at the table.
Ultimately, the Far North District Council voted unanimously to maintain the status quo, upholding the voting rights of iwi representatives and protecting the council’s partnership model.
Further supporting the move, crowds gathered in Kaikohe, carrying banners and chanting, with a clear message that Māori must have a voice at the council table......
See full article HERE
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says council 'unfairly targeted'
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania has defended having unelected iwi representatives on the council's Māori liaison committee - and says the Far North is being unfairly targeted because it's just one of 57 councils around the country with similar arrangements.
The committee's membership has been thrust into the national spotlight after former TV journalist Duncan Garner interviewed councillor Davina Smolders on his podcast last week.
In the podcast Garner claimed a council committee had 15 unelected iwi representatives to six elected councillors, which he believed was "illegal", "undemocratic", and "co-governance on steroids".....
See full article HERE
The census change that could block a new Māori seat
What started as a simple law change to get rid of the census has become an impassioned debate about New Zealand’s democracy.
On one side, Te Pāti Māori claims the Government and Labour are teaming up to limit Māori representation in Parliament. That’s a claim the Government and Labour deny.
However, if the Electoral Act change does go ahead, a review of electorate boundaries scheduled for 2028 will be delayed until after the 2029 election. That will impact all voters, but it is of particular concern to voters on the Māori electoral roll.....
See full article HERE
Māori diet largely plants, study finds
New light has been shed on Māori diet and burial practices prior to European colonisation.
The Māori diet was previously thought to be a diverse mix of abundant seafood, birds, root crops, native berries and wild greens.
But ground-breaking new research led by the University of Otago, in partnership with Waikato hapū and iwi — Ngāti Maahanga, Ngāti Wairere, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā — has provided the first direct scientific evidence some Māori had predominantly plant-based diets before Europeans arrived....
See full article HERE
Tasman council approves unelected members policy
For the second time, rigorous debate was sparked at Tasman District Council while it discussed appointing unelected members to sit at its meetings.
On Thursday, the council approved a new policy to guide the appointment of independent members and iwi representatives to the council and its committees.
Independent members are sought to provide specialised advice, such as the governance and risk experts on the Audit and Risk Committee, while iwi representatives can represent regional iwi views while bringing te ao Māori perspectives....
See full article HERE
Waitangi Tribunal begins urgent inquiry into school Treaty obligations and curriculum changes
An urgent inquiry into the government's decision to remove school boards' legal obligation to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and overhaul the national curriculum is underway, with iwi and the Education Union warning of long-term impacts for Māori.
The Waitangi Tribunal is hearing evidence this week after granting urgency to a claim brought by Northland iwi Ngāti Hine and hapū Te Kapotai, alongside the country's largest education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa.
The claim challenges changes to the Education and Training Act 2020, which removed the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti, as well as the reset of Te Mātaiaho and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa......
See full article HERE
New suspension bridge to be built on popular Tongariro River Trail
A new bridge is set to be built on the popular Tongariro River Trail, replacing a 70-year-old structure that is no longer fit for purpose.
The Department of Conservation (DOC), working in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua, the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Bob Edlin: Tensions over co-governance spread from Far North to Hastings....
Propaganda:
Working with local iwi - NZTA
NZEI Te Riu Roa Demands: Restore Te Tiriti Obligations And Halt Curriculum Rollout
Finding Pathways To Equity In Aotearoa
Voice of the North: Iwi march as council confirms new members of Māori committee
In response, iwi leaders transformed the routine appointment of Mane Tahere and Wallace Rivers, representing the iwi collective Te Kahu o Taonui, into a broader reaffirmation of their place at the table.
Ultimately, the Far North District Council voted unanimously to maintain the status quo, upholding the voting rights of iwi representatives and protecting the council’s partnership model.
Further supporting the move, crowds gathered in Kaikohe, carrying banners and chanting, with a clear message that Māori must have a voice at the council table......
See full article HERE
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania says council 'unfairly targeted'
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania has defended having unelected iwi representatives on the council's Māori liaison committee - and says the Far North is being unfairly targeted because it's just one of 57 councils around the country with similar arrangements.
The committee's membership has been thrust into the national spotlight after former TV journalist Duncan Garner interviewed councillor Davina Smolders on his podcast last week.
In the podcast Garner claimed a council committee had 15 unelected iwi representatives to six elected councillors, which he believed was "illegal", "undemocratic", and "co-governance on steroids".....
See full article HERE
The census change that could block a new Māori seat
What started as a simple law change to get rid of the census has become an impassioned debate about New Zealand’s democracy.
On one side, Te Pāti Māori claims the Government and Labour are teaming up to limit Māori representation in Parliament. That’s a claim the Government and Labour deny.
However, if the Electoral Act change does go ahead, a review of electorate boundaries scheduled for 2028 will be delayed until after the 2029 election. That will impact all voters, but it is of particular concern to voters on the Māori electoral roll.....
See full article HERE
Māori diet largely plants, study finds
New light has been shed on Māori diet and burial practices prior to European colonisation.
The Māori diet was previously thought to be a diverse mix of abundant seafood, birds, root crops, native berries and wild greens.
But ground-breaking new research led by the University of Otago, in partnership with Waikato hapū and iwi — Ngāti Maahanga, Ngāti Wairere, Ngāti Koroki Kahukura and Ngāti Hauā — has provided the first direct scientific evidence some Māori had predominantly plant-based diets before Europeans arrived....
See full article HERE
Tasman council approves unelected members policy
For the second time, rigorous debate was sparked at Tasman District Council while it discussed appointing unelected members to sit at its meetings.
On Thursday, the council approved a new policy to guide the appointment of independent members and iwi representatives to the council and its committees.
Independent members are sought to provide specialised advice, such as the governance and risk experts on the Audit and Risk Committee, while iwi representatives can represent regional iwi views while bringing te ao Māori perspectives....
See full article HERE
Waitangi Tribunal begins urgent inquiry into school Treaty obligations and curriculum changes
An urgent inquiry into the government's decision to remove school boards' legal obligation to give effect to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and overhaul the national curriculum is underway, with iwi and the Education Union warning of long-term impacts for Māori.
The Waitangi Tribunal is hearing evidence this week after granting urgency to a claim brought by Northland iwi Ngāti Hine and hapū Te Kapotai, alongside the country's largest education union, NZEI Te Riu Roa.
The claim challenges changes to the Education and Training Act 2020, which removed the requirement for school boards to give effect to Te Tiriti, as well as the reset of Te Mātaiaho and Te Marautanga o Aotearoa......
See full article HERE
New suspension bridge to be built on popular Tongariro River Trail
A new bridge is set to be built on the popular Tongariro River Trail, replacing a 70-year-old structure that is no longer fit for purpose.
The Department of Conservation (DOC), working in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua, the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board and Te Kotahitanga o Ngāti....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Bob Edlin: Tensions over co-governance spread from Far North to Hastings....
Propaganda:
Working with local iwi - NZTA
NZEI Te Riu Roa Demands: Restore Te Tiriti Obligations And Halt Curriculum Rollout
Finding Pathways To Equity In Aotearoa
Wednesday April 15, 2026
News:
No 'peace of mind' until managed retreat from vulnerable areas - iwi leader
The deputy prime minister says it is up to local communities, not necessarily the government, to decide whether they need to relocate as climate change worsens.
And a local iwi leader agrees, saying it will take a "whole of community approach" to make the hard calls required to create "peace of mind".
News:
No 'peace of mind' until managed retreat from vulnerable areas - iwi leader
The deputy prime minister says it is up to local communities, not necessarily the government, to decide whether they need to relocate as climate change worsens.
And a local iwi leader agrees, saying it will take a "whole of community approach" to make the hard calls required to create "peace of mind".
Parts of the North Island have been repeatedly hit by extreme weather events in recent years, particularly the Bay of Plenty, Tai Rāwhiti and Hawke's Bay......
See full article HERE
Government wants to cut off taxpayer funding for gangs
A member’s Bill could stop public funding to gangs and organisations with gang ties. It’s unlikely to be a hard sell, but one expert says it’s ‘cutting off our nose to spite our face’.
National MP Rima Nakhle is drawing a hard line on gangs: no taxpayer money. Not to gangs and not to anyone linked to them.
Her member’s bill to stop public funding flowing to organisations with gang ties has been drawn from the biscuit tin, and she tells The Detail that National is “sending a very strong message that the people administering the poison are not going to be administering the antidote as well”.
“We are cracking down on gangs, we are cracking down on the misery they are causing in our communities,” she says......
See full article HERE
Māori Representation Fight Intensifies Over Electoral Boundaries Bill
Debate is intensifying over proposed changes to New Zealand’s electoral laws, with strong opposition emerging over concerns Māori representation could be weakened.
The Electoral (District Boundaries) Amendment Bill, introduced earlier this year, would shift how often electorate boundaries are reviewed. Instead of reviews following each census every five years, the bill proposes aligning them with every second general election, extending the cycle to around six years starting from 2030.
The Government says the move is designed to better align with modernised census processes and provide more consistency in long-term planning of electoral boundaries.....
See full article HERE
Far North Mayor apologises for telling Duncan Garner to 'f... off'
Garner had asked Tepania to appear on his Editor in Chief podcast to discuss co-governance, following an episode featuring Far North Councillor Davina Smolders.
However, Tepania took issue with what he described were “false, misleading, and unfounded” statements in the podcast, responding to Garner’s request with: “F... off, Kind regards, Mayor Moko”.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tepania apologised for the comment.
“That response reflected a lapse in judgement, and I take full responsibility for it. I accept it did not meet the standard expected of me. I apologise to those I have disappointed,” he said.......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Peter Hemmingson: ACT, Then and Now - Have We Seen This Movie Before?
Elizabeth Rata: Neotribal Capitalism and Co-Governance
Propaganda:
Calls to sack Treaty Negotiations Minister over land titling issues
Māori sisters lead engineering project to protect mana of pou
Government wants to cut off taxpayer funding for gangs
A member’s Bill could stop public funding to gangs and organisations with gang ties. It’s unlikely to be a hard sell, but one expert says it’s ‘cutting off our nose to spite our face’.
National MP Rima Nakhle is drawing a hard line on gangs: no taxpayer money. Not to gangs and not to anyone linked to them.
Her member’s bill to stop public funding flowing to organisations with gang ties has been drawn from the biscuit tin, and she tells The Detail that National is “sending a very strong message that the people administering the poison are not going to be administering the antidote as well”.
“We are cracking down on gangs, we are cracking down on the misery they are causing in our communities,” she says......
See full article HERE
Māori Representation Fight Intensifies Over Electoral Boundaries Bill
Debate is intensifying over proposed changes to New Zealand’s electoral laws, with strong opposition emerging over concerns Māori representation could be weakened.
The Electoral (District Boundaries) Amendment Bill, introduced earlier this year, would shift how often electorate boundaries are reviewed. Instead of reviews following each census every five years, the bill proposes aligning them with every second general election, extending the cycle to around six years starting from 2030.
The Government says the move is designed to better align with modernised census processes and provide more consistency in long-term planning of electoral boundaries.....
See full article HERE
Far North Mayor apologises for telling Duncan Garner to 'f... off'
Garner had asked Tepania to appear on his Editor in Chief podcast to discuss co-governance, following an episode featuring Far North Councillor Davina Smolders.
However, Tepania took issue with what he described were “false, misleading, and unfounded” statements in the podcast, responding to Garner’s request with: “F... off, Kind regards, Mayor Moko”.
In a statement on Tuesday, Tepania apologised for the comment.
“That response reflected a lapse in judgement, and I take full responsibility for it. I accept it did not meet the standard expected of me. I apologise to those I have disappointed,” he said.......
See full article HERE
Articles:
Peter Hemmingson: ACT, Then and Now - Have We Seen This Movie Before?
Elizabeth Rata: Neotribal Capitalism and Co-Governance
Propaganda:
Calls to sack Treaty Negotiations Minister over land titling issues
Māori sisters lead engineering project to protect mana of pou
Tuesday April 14, 2026
News:
Proposed treaty settlement brings overlapping iwi interests to a head
A Crown decision to include the transferral of six Department of Conservation reserves in a major treaty settlement for one iwi is facing strong opposition from other iwi and hapū who say the deal will “obliterate” their overlapping customary interests to those land reserves.
News:
Proposed treaty settlement brings overlapping iwi interests to a head
A Crown decision to include the transferral of six Department of Conservation reserves in a major treaty settlement for one iwi is facing strong opposition from other iwi and hapū who say the deal will “obliterate” their overlapping customary interests to those land reserves.
The six reserves – Mangaone, Panekirikiri, Tutaemaro, Waihi South, Waikareiti and Ruakituri Scenic Reserve – are located around Lake Waikaremoana in Te Urewera.
Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana signed their deed of settlement with the Crown in February, the final step before the legislation goes through Parliament.....
See full article HERE
High Court puts brakes on Ngāi Tahu’s challenge to emerging conservation bill
Ngāi Tahu has failed to convince the High Court to allow it to make a legal challenge to upcoming conservation law changes that have yet to be introduced to Parliament.
Justice Robert Osborne has decided the constitutional principle that the courts must not interfere with Parliament’s role in making laws already apply at this stage.
He has put a pause on the rūnanga’s legal challenge, lodged last November, until after the new law has been passed......(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Propaganda:
Govt Bill Will Suppress Māori Voters
‘We refused to be weaponised’: The rise of Asians backing tino rangatiratanga
Ngāti Ruapani mai Waikaremoana signed their deed of settlement with the Crown in February, the final step before the legislation goes through Parliament.....
See full article HERE
High Court puts brakes on Ngāi Tahu’s challenge to emerging conservation bill
Ngāi Tahu has failed to convince the High Court to allow it to make a legal challenge to upcoming conservation law changes that have yet to be introduced to Parliament.
Justice Robert Osborne has decided the constitutional principle that the courts must not interfere with Parliament’s role in making laws already apply at this stage.
He has put a pause on the rūnanga’s legal challenge, lodged last November, until after the new law has been passed......(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Propaganda:
Govt Bill Will Suppress Māori Voters
‘We refused to be weaponised’: The rise of Asians backing tino rangatiratanga
Monday April 13, 2026
News:
Local government Minister orders Far North District Council investigation
Local government Minister Simon Watts has asked his officials to ‘engage with’ Far North District Council after a local councillor called for the appointment of a Crown Observer.
Kerikeri ACT Local councillor Davina Smolders recently made claims of governance issues at the council.
News:
Local government Minister orders Far North District Council investigation
Local government Minister Simon Watts has asked his officials to ‘engage with’ Far North District Council after a local councillor called for the appointment of a Crown Observer.
Kerikeri ACT Local councillor Davina Smolders recently made claims of governance issues at the council.
Far North Mayor Moko Tepania said Minister Watts had sent a letter to the council on Thursday expressing confidence in the council.....
See full article HERE
Building to meet Māori and Pacific needs
A movement is under way to put more Māori and Pacific design elements in Auckland homes and commercial buildings from design to construction.
Professor Deidre Brown (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) and Dr Karamia Müller (Sāmoa), directors of the University of Auckland’s Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre (Māpihi), said this shift helped to reflect a sense that Aotearoa is a unique country, located in the Pacific.
It also addressed practical issues. Māori and Pacific design elements scarcely featured in New Zealand architecture until about 15 years ago.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Articles:
Watered Down Democracy
Mike Butler: How iwi smears ratepayer
Democracy Action: Where art thou - Treaty Principles Review?
Professor Jerry Coyne: More touting of indigenous knowledge as coequal with modern science
Propaganda:
Dan Hikuroa: Let the rivers speak
The gutless betrayal of our global standing on human rights
Building to meet Māori and Pacific needs
A movement is under way to put more Māori and Pacific design elements in Auckland homes and commercial buildings from design to construction.
Professor Deidre Brown (Ngāpuhi, Ngāti Kahu) and Dr Karamia Müller (Sāmoa), directors of the University of Auckland’s Māori and Pacific Housing Research Centre (Māpihi), said this shift helped to reflect a sense that Aotearoa is a unique country, located in the Pacific.
It also addressed practical issues. Māori and Pacific design elements scarcely featured in New Zealand architecture until about 15 years ago.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Articles:
Watered Down Democracy
Mike Butler: How iwi smears ratepayer
Democracy Action: Where art thou - Treaty Principles Review?
Professor Jerry Coyne: More touting of indigenous knowledge as coequal with modern science
Propaganda:
Dan Hikuroa: Let the rivers speak
The gutless betrayal of our global standing on human rights
Sunday April 12, 2026
News:
New Plymouth deputy mayor defends handling of meeting causing division in council ranks
It’s caused division in council ranks but New Plymouth deputy mayor Murray Chong has defended his handling of a controversial speaker peddling falsehoods about Māori land confiscations at a committee meeting he chaired.
Chong has come under fire for allowing former rural real estate agent Ivan Howe to continue to speak to the Public Engagement Committee on Wednesday about his views on early Taranaki history despite protests from fellow councillors.
News:
New Plymouth deputy mayor defends handling of meeting causing division in council ranks
It’s caused division in council ranks but New Plymouth deputy mayor Murray Chong has defended his handling of a controversial speaker peddling falsehoods about Māori land confiscations at a committee meeting he chaired.
Chong has come under fire for allowing former rural real estate agent Ivan Howe to continue to speak to the Public Engagement Committee on Wednesday about his views on early Taranaki history despite protests from fellow councillors.
Included in the speech was Howe’s belief that Māori land had not been confiscated in North Taranaki, Māori were not indigenous to the area and council was having “the wool pulled over their eyes” by iwi......(paywalled)
See full article HERE
More on the above here > New Plymouth councillors rebuff ‘pulling the wool’ iwi history claim
What is a cultural report? Gore’s council stays silent as farmers label new rules ‘impossible’
The Gore District Council has been criticised for including cultural value assessment requirements in its district plan, but neither the council, the mayor or the iwi are willing to explain what a cultural assessment is, or how it one is assessed.
The plan contains a controversial requirement for some resource consent applicants to gain mana whenua cultural impact assessments, which has been criticised by some politicians.
In a recent press release, Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said the organisation had raised some legitimate concerns on behalf of local farmers.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Whanganui council accused of 'downplaying’ rebrand cost by more than $55k
New figures reveal that the “total costs” of the Whanganui District Council’s logo redesign and rebranding are significantly higher than originally disclosed.
Information obtained by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union (NZTU) shows the council’s rebranding project cost $116,899 – nearly double the $61,800 design figure previously cited.
“The council has tried to downplay the cost of this rebranding,” NZTU investigations coordinator Rhys Hurley said.
The council had earlier said $61,800 (excluding GST) was paid to Auckland design agency Extended Whānau for brand strategy, design and templates.
Following a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request, the new total disclosed includes $33,125 paid to a brand advisor and $10,192 to a toi Māori arts advisor.....
See full article HERE
Māori power retailer secures major deal to keep whānau lights on
After 18 months of being unable to take on new customers, kaupapa Māori power retailer Nau Mai Rā has reopened its doors with a mission to grow its Whānau Fund.
The retailer was previously forced to pause new sign-ups due to a volatile wholesale market that made it impossible to secure affordable power.
Now, a first-of-its-kind five-year deal provides the stability needed to expand the Whānau Fund, a social initiative that redirects power profits back to families in need, through a new partnership called the Pool of Power....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Watered Down Democracy
We will all drown eventually?
Colinxy: Tova O’Brien - A Case Study in Race‑Obsessed Critical Media Framing
Bob Edlin: Northland council has replenished a trough to provide scholarships.....
Bob Edlin: No, matauranga Māori has not been forgotten.....
Propaganda:
Tāngata whenua - NZTA
Fine, we'll make our own: Reo Māori Certificates for Tamariki
Is 'reo trauma' holding back the revitalisation of te reo?
More on the above here > New Plymouth councillors rebuff ‘pulling the wool’ iwi history claim
What is a cultural report? Gore’s council stays silent as farmers label new rules ‘impossible’
The Gore District Council has been criticised for including cultural value assessment requirements in its district plan, but neither the council, the mayor or the iwi are willing to explain what a cultural assessment is, or how it one is assessed.
The plan contains a controversial requirement for some resource consent applicants to gain mana whenua cultural impact assessments, which has been criticised by some politicians.
In a recent press release, Southland Federated Farmers president Jason Herrick said the organisation had raised some legitimate concerns on behalf of local farmers.....(paywalled)
See full article HERE
Whanganui council accused of 'downplaying’ rebrand cost by more than $55k
New figures reveal that the “total costs” of the Whanganui District Council’s logo redesign and rebranding are significantly higher than originally disclosed.
Information obtained by the New Zealand Taxpayers’ Union (NZTU) shows the council’s rebranding project cost $116,899 – nearly double the $61,800 design figure previously cited.
“The council has tried to downplay the cost of this rebranding,” NZTU investigations coordinator Rhys Hurley said.
The council had earlier said $61,800 (excluding GST) was paid to Auckland design agency Extended Whānau for brand strategy, design and templates.
Following a Local Government Official Information and Meetings Act (LGOIMA) request, the new total disclosed includes $33,125 paid to a brand advisor and $10,192 to a toi Māori arts advisor.....
See full article HERE
Māori power retailer secures major deal to keep whānau lights on
After 18 months of being unable to take on new customers, kaupapa Māori power retailer Nau Mai Rā has reopened its doors with a mission to grow its Whānau Fund.
The retailer was previously forced to pause new sign-ups due to a volatile wholesale market that made it impossible to secure affordable power.
Now, a first-of-its-kind five-year deal provides the stability needed to expand the Whānau Fund, a social initiative that redirects power profits back to families in need, through a new partnership called the Pool of Power....
See full article HERE
Articles:
Watered Down Democracy
We will all drown eventually?
Colinxy: Tova O’Brien - A Case Study in Race‑Obsessed Critical Media Framing
Bob Edlin: Northland council has replenished a trough to provide scholarships.....
Bob Edlin: No, matauranga Māori has not been forgotten.....
Propaganda:
Tāngata whenua - NZTA
Fine, we'll make our own: Reo Māori Certificates for Tamariki
Is 'reo trauma' holding back the revitalisation of te reo?
This Breaking Views Update monitors race relations in the media on a weekly basis. New material is added regularly. If you would like to send Letters to the Editor in response to any of these articles, most media addresses can be found HERE.
18 comments:
It is absurd the small degree of publicity given expressed counter claims and reservations about the maori assertions repeated endlessy until accepted by most as proven fact. And not examined in a disinterested manner by the Waitangi Tribunal. Individuals desirous of a detailed understanding are obliged to spend hours and hours on their own tedious reading, which hardly any have the time, ability or energy for. I have found that it is only in advanced retirement when physical passtimes are now too demanding that I have time for background reading. Citizen Howe and Deputy Mayor Chong have provided a public service by drawing attention to the existence of information other than that selected by maori.
Is Minister Watts too thick to understand what is going on with unelected Maori running Councils, or does he actually approve of this destruction of democracy ?
Yes Watts is thick but also under instruction from Luxon to not rock the boat, just let it sink slowly!
Maori are masters of self serving publicity. Tepania's apology yet another opportunity to publicise the incident and gain more mana Brownie points from his simplistic grasping faithfull.
"Far North Mayor apologises" - this is what happens when one is caught with a paw in the cookie jar! That and the bollocks about “false, misleading, and unfounded” statements in the podcast. Misleading - my backside! He and his are stacking the committees by abusing a provision in the Local Govt Act and Simon Watts needs to slam the door shut on that misbehaviour immediately.
I very occasionally utilise the local mall food court and local takeaways. I find it fascinating to observe what maori select (and the vast quantitty). If they once subsisted on greens, certainly not now. Their often gross bodies are very much the product of meat and fats and lots of.The greens options are entirely neglected and in the predominantly polynesian outlets usually look many hours old. I am never bored in food courts. The correlation between BMI and size and type of orders is very obvious across all races.
Shane Jones proving himself a traitor to democracy.
If anyone believes the NZF party will remove race based policy from government will be certainly disappointed.
The Act party seems our only refuge.
As with all maori I never entirely trusted Jones. Yet another 5th columnist.
Shane Jones is acting like Trump, attacking the person , not the issue.
However, he has revealed his true colours, a dirty shade of brown.
Seems that the only Party wanting proper democracy is ACT.
I continue to be staggered at the vast sums granted to Insurrection Coordination Centres (marae). mostly on the pretext that might supply a (charged for?) service in case of emergency. For the vast sums involved there must be other solutions of benefit to the whole community and not just race based social clubs.In emergencies are marae held to any contractual obligation?
i suspect Jones has just cost the Coaliton the election. Perhaps with his ability to prattle te reo as well as King Jame's English he sees a more fitting place for himself among and as one of the aspiring maori dictators. Would make life in the far North among bro more comfortable.
Jones and Peters - a couple of forked-tongue, duplicitous politicians if ever there were. Those ditching National for NZF will be getting more of the same. From the frypan to the fire.
Wow. As a NZF voter last election I have a dilemma. I thought Davina Smolders was very articulate and rational. Maybe a new political party is ultimately the answer? There is no justification for preferential treatment simply because of race. Arriving here first does not cut it in my book. Contributing to society does.
Thanks for the heads up on your interesting views on democracy Shane Jones so at least we know where NZF really stand. Which is, why bother with silly things like elections when all you have to be is a certain race, and using your contacts or family connections, you get voting rights and privileges over every other race without ever being elected? And even better, you get to tax the other races and they have no say and no accountability. Pathetic? Yep! Perverse? You bet! Medieval? Absolutely. Destined for complete failure Shane? Guaranteed!
My word yes - I've been a Jones fan for a long time, but he's blown it. ACT are the only honest party, as I have known for a long time.
Shane Jones laid it bare. How does one overcome democracies one person one vote? Once you get a majority, you introduce extra permanent votes from non elected people, integrated into the governance system with your people and job done. Its a fiefdom. No more democracy. No more accountability. No more control by the people.
I'm pretty sure the idea of councils is supposed to be democratic, not feudal manors. Someone in government needs to wake up, urgently. Oh, and don't vote NZ First.
Shane Jones has shown his true colours. I wouldn't have considered voting for Act in the past, but I'm considering it. Jones needs to be sacked from the party.
Another example - very easy - of how to kill democracy: make Maori fluency obligatory in all CRT jobs - MPs, public service, judiciary, police, media - even basic for university staff ( many overseas academics employed - who would do an initial crash course).
Next step: yes - a certain knowledge but not "sufficiently" fluent. So only "Maori" advance. Language policy is very powerful - and " soft" - under the radar.
NZ is lost - bar a revolution now.
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