The phrase “We are now one people” has resurfaced lately, largely due to a campaign by the Hobson’s Pledge lobby group against the retention of Māori wards at referendums being held as part of the upcoming local body elections.
Māori wards and constituencies are the local authority equivalent of the Māori seats in Parliament, enabling a level of representation Māori have historically struggled to access. Anyone – Māori or non-Māori – can stand for election in a Māori ward or constituency.
