Source: New Zealand Parliament
The bill is due to be reported back to the House on 21 June 2024. The committee intends to hold public hearings on this bill in the week beginning 4 June 2024. The committee has agreed to invite local government, including councils and other groups, to make oral submissions on the bill. Exact dates and times for hearings will be confirmed after the close of written submissions on Wednesday 29 May.
The chairperson of the Justice Committee, James Meager, said “we welcome the public’s views on this bill, and looking forward to engaging with the public of the proposed changes.”
The bill proposes to reinstate the right to a local referendum on the establishment or ongoing use of Māori wards and Māori constituencies. This includes requiring a poll, at the next local body elections, on any Māori wards and Māori constituencies established without a poll.
