Postcard campaign against New Plymouth councillors who were not in favour of a Māori ward

Wednesday, 16 September 2020

A Māori ward advocacy group in New Plymouth has launched a postcard campaign against elected members who did not vote in favour of a ward.

A flood of postcards could be en route to three of New Plymouth’s elected district council members – but they’re not of the typical variety detailing a loved one’s far-flung holiday.

Instead, the cards, three versions personally addressed to either mayor Neil Holdom, his deputy Richard Jordan, or councillor Murray Chong, are from citizens backing a Māori ward in the district.

In July, councillors voted 12-2 to establish the ward. Jordan and Chong opposed while Holdom abstained.

Chong has since spearheaded a petition which, if signed by five per cent of the voting population, could force a binding referendum on the issue.

Rongomou Community Action, which is behind the postcards, said they wanted to make clear to Holdom, Jordan and Chong that there are constituents who want a seat for Māori at the council table.

Rongomou Community Action are behind the postcards. Group members (from left) Dan Lander, Vivienne Ngere, Puna Wano-Bryant, Moon Cameron, Hinenui Wano-Bryant Victoria Girling-Butcher and Mai Lander.

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Hundreds of the pre-addressed cards have been distributed to Māori ward supporters to sign.

Distribution of 800 cards, to be sent to one, or all, of the three leaders care of the New Plymouth District Council (NPDC), began at the weekend.

They read “I support a Māori Ward, confronting racism and building an inclusive and stronger Ngāmotu (New Plymouth).

Group member and Taranaki Cathedral priest Dan Lander said the cards had been positively received and a second print run was in the pipeline.

“A lot of people want to send them in to voice their support,” he said.

He said the group was committed to positive social change, starting with the Māori ward.

Councillor Murray Chong opposed the establishment of a Māori ward.

Holdom was not available for comment and referred media to the NPDC communications team.

On Wednesday, a council spokesperson said they had received two postcards.

Any delivered would be handed on to the addressee, he said.

New Plymouth Mayor Neil Holdom, left, abstained from voting while deputy mayor Richard Jordan, right, opposed.

Jordan and Chong were not aware of the postcards, and Chong added they were a “waste of paper”.

“What good are they going to be?” he asked.

“I realise there is people who want it either way, and that’s the whole reason why the petition is granted to create a referendum to prove it. If times have changed and the people have spoken, then I’m happy with that.”

Chong said he has a third of the 2874 signatures needed to force the binding poll. He has until February to the gather the full amount.

Jordan questioned the intention of the postcard campaign.

“I didn’t vote against a Māori ward. I voted for it to go to consultation in the community, which is completely different from voting down the ward,” he said.

“[But] the council made a democratic decision to vote in a Māori ward and I totally agree with a democratic system.”

Rongomou Community Action, formed following a Māori ward education hui and comprising a number of New Plymouth locals, has launched a symbolic petition to counter Chong’s.

Group member Puna Wano-Bryant said while their petition had no legal effect, the group was raising awareness of “the bigger issue”, “which is the racist legislation, which only applies to the Māori ward nationally, allowing that petition to trigger a referendum”.

The group’s petition has so far gained 2733 signatures.