Summarised by Centrist
A new draft Code of Conduct would require every councillor in New Zealand to respect Treaty principles, including a duty to work with mana whenua “in the design and delivery” of council programmes.
Critics say it quietly forces co-governance through the back door.
The Local Government Commission is consulting on a model code that would apply to all councils, boards, and mayors. It sets out rules on conduct, information sharing, and conflicts of interest. But clause 8, on Te Tiriti o Waitangi, is generating pushback.
The clause requires members to respect “tino rangatiratanga” by being “open to working with mana whenua partners in the design and delivery of their work programmes.” It adds that councils should build Māori capacity to contribute to decision-making and ensure services are delivered in culturally appropriate ways.
Hobson’s Pledge has called the provision “race-based separatism.” In a newsletter, the group said:
“This code would force every councillor to bow to a race-based political ideology dressed up as Treaty ‘principles.’ Councillors are elected to represent all of their communities – not to deliver on the demands of one group.”
The government said its goal in standardising codes was to promote freedom of speech, conflict management, and consistency across the sector. Opponents argue those priorities have been hijacked, with Treaty obligations added that go far beyond current law. Submissions close today (26 September).
