Ref 000070
4 October 2024
Luke
[FYI request #28355 email]
Dear Luke
OFFICIAL INFORMATION REQUEST MĀORI WARDS POLL I refer to your official information request dated 11 September 2024 as set out below.
On 4 September 2024, the Chief Executive was directed to provide further information on
the potential implications of the Council refusing to comply with the Local Government
(Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024.
We expect that any advice relating to a decision by any Council to act contrary to law will be
promptly made available to the public. With that in mind:
1. Please release any advice provided to or prepared by the Chief Executive on the
consequences of not complying with the above mentioned Act, if already in existence.
2. If such advice does not yet exist, please advise of the expected date it will be.
The information you requested is provided below:
At its meeting on 4 September 2024, the Chief Executive was directed to provide further information
to the Council on the potential implications of not proceeding with a binding referendum.
Additionally, several other councils resolved to seek advice on the implications of failing to comply
with the pol requirements of the Local Government (Electoral Legislation and Māori Wards and
Māori Constituencies) Amendment Act 2024. Consequently, Taituarā sought legal guidance from
Simpson Grierson. The legal opinion was provided as legally privileged and confidential information
to Council 1 October 2024.
Council’s Chief Executive plans to brief Council alongside other election matters in the new year.
You have the right to seek an investigation and review by the Ombudsman of this decision.
Information about how to make a complaint is available at
www.ombudsman.parliament.nz or
freephone 0800 802 602.
Yours sincerely
T Paladin
GOVERNANCE MANAGER