Locals Prepare To Welcome Bike-Riding Teen For Māori Wards
The Whakatāne High School student walked almost 80 kilometres from Whakatāne to Mauao (Mt Maunganui) earlier in the year, and has now taken on the next challenge. Friendly locals have been 'host families' as he makes his way down the country in wintery conditions.
Jack has been passionate about Māori wards for a number of years, after he attended the petition delivery as a child, calling on the government to treat Māori wards like every other ward, and remove the requirement for a referendum. This petition resulted in the then-government changing the legislation, which sparked immense support for Māori wards. New ward seats went from three across the country, to forty-nine - a 1500% increase showing that councils and communities were ready to embrace Māori representation.
In 2024, the Coalition Government reversed this legislation which brought back referendums in retrospect, or requiring councils to scrap the seats themselves.
ActionStation Director, Kassie Hartendorp says that it's heartening to see a young person use his skills, talents and bravery to turn a divisive issue into a positive event.
'It's promising to see that the younger generation have clarity on political issues of the day and are willing to forge a different path that brings us all together. Which is exactly what Māori wards can do for communities too.'
She says that communities in 42 different council areas will be asked whether to keep their local Māori wards during local body elections this September and October.
'Māori wards have made a difference for entire communities - let's keep a good thing going, and make sure they continue into the future.'
ActionStation is co-organising a welcome event for Jack as he arrives at Parliament to deliver his letter on Wednesday 9 July. PM Christopher Luxon has declined to receive Jack's letter or meet with him, however, Labour Leader Chris Hipkins has offered to receive it instead.
All supporters are welcome to welcome Jack as he arrives at Parliament after his massive bike ride.
Notes:
For more information on the event details, please contact rangimarie@actionstation.org.nz.
The Protect Māori wards report by ActionStation can be found here: https://maoriwards.nz/ProtectMaoriWardsReport_web.pdf
More info can be found on Māori wards here [https://www.votelocal.co.nz/maori-wards-and-constituencies/ ] at the VoteLocal website, which includes the 42 regions holding a referendum.
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