35799 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government

35799 (2026). Tangi Utikere to the Minister of Local Government: How many Māori wards or Māori constituencies, if any, will be affected by the proposed new unitary authorities, and what guarantee, if any, is there that Māori representation will be maintained?

Hon Simon Watts: There are eight regional Māori constituencies that will be affected by the removal of regional councils at the 2028 local elections. As the Government is still assessing Head Start proposals, it is yet to be determined how many Māori wards will be affected. It is up to communities to decide what representation arrangements are best for them, and this includes Māori wards.