LGNZ wants to take the vote away from ratepayers

Hobson’s Choice released:

In calling on Parliament to deny ratepayers the right to veto council decisions to create racially-based political structures, Local Government New Zealand reveals just how totally out of touch they are with the views of the overwhelming majority of ratepayers, Don Brash said today in response to a press release from LGNZ.

In every one of the districts whose councils decided to impose Maori wards – Western Bay of Plenty, Whakatane, Palmerston North, Manawatu and Kaikoura  –  large numbers of ratepayers petitioned for a poll, showing clearly that very many do not want race-based wards, Dr Brash said.

I understand LGNZ did not consult with member Councils before deciding their position of advocating to deny ratepayers a vote on whether to establish separate Maori seats.