To make sure local communities didn’t lose their say, 21 local boards were created. They are the bridge between communities and the council, shaping the everyday things that affect our lives:
- Parks, sports fields, and playgrounds
- Libraries and community centres
- Local transport, footpaths, and road safety
- Events, arts, and culture
- Community grants and local services
Local boards are unique to Auckland. Other towns and cities usually have community boards or just councillors and a mayor.
We spoke with Anahera Rawiri, a first-term Waitematā Local Board member, about why Māori voices at the local board table matter now more than ever.
In three years, I’ve maybe seen five brown faces in public forums or deputations – out of about 200 people I’ve seen present.
Why Māori voices matter
For many whānau, local boards feel far away. The processes are formal, often dominated by Pākehā, and can be isolating.
“In three years, I’ve maybe seen five brown faces in public forums or deputations – out of about 200 people I’ve seen present,” says Anahera Rawiri, a first-term member of the Waitematā Local Board. “It’s not because our people don’t care – the process makes it hard.”
Anahera stood for election “to set an example for future Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei, Māori, and women of colour.” She believes when Māori are in the room, decisions are stronger: iwi feedback is more likely to be heard, kaupapa Māori is considered, and local priorities reflect whānau needs.
She also points out that iwi shouldn’t just be lumped in as another ‘stakeholder’ alongside business groups or residents’ associations. There should be a direct pathway for iwi to engage with boards.
And, as Anahera adds, it’s about manaakitanga:
“When Māori and tangata whenua are in the room, we take a view that cares for all who choose to call Tāmaki their home – whether a short or long time. It’s manaakitanga in action, so all communities – Māori, Pacific, migrant, minority communities – are included in that view.”
What are tickets?
Tickets are like local teams or parties that candidates join.
- They usually put up a whole group of candidates for all the seats.
- If you’re on a ticket, you get the support of that team’s voters.
- If you’re independent, it’s much harder – you have to build support on your own.
- Some tickets are connected to national parties like National or Labour, so even though it’s “local,” their values can reflect central politics.
Anahera’s advice: “If someone is standing with a ticket, look into who that ticket is linked with and what policies they represent. Don’t just go by the name on the ballot.”
When Māori are in the room, decisions are stronger: iwi feedback is more likely to be heard, kaupapa Māori is considered, and local priorities reflect whānau needs.
How do you get on a board?
Anyone over 18 and enrolled to vote can stand for a local board. You don’t have to live in the area, but most people do. It’s not a job you can apply for – you have to be elected by your community.
That means being known and respected in your rohe, or having strong networks. Standing with a ticket gives candidates more reach, while independents need to mobilise their community support.
How do you vote?
Local elections happen every three years.
- Voting papers are sent to your mailbox – you can post them back or drop them at a ballot box.
- You vote for the mayor, your ward councillor(s), and your local board members. In some areas you can vote for more than one candidate, depending on how many seats are available.
Give your vote to the person who truly represents us, even if it’s just one candidate. That sends a message.
Anahera’s advice to whānau: “Give your vote to the person who truly represents us, even if it’s just one candidate. That sends a message.”
Local boards might feel far away, but their decisions shape our everyday lives. Next time you see election billboards around your community, take a moment to look into who those candidates are and kōrero with your whānau about what matters most.
Better yet – let’s get more Māori on local boards. Because when our voices are at the table, our whānau and our whenua are stronger.
