A Spirited Conversation on local elections, Māori wards and the Canterbury experience
Postal voting in local body elections is about to begin, and in many localities across the motu voters will be asked to also vote in a referendum on Māori Wards. But not in Canterbury or much of the South Island. Ngāi Tahu has negotiated other arrangements with Christchurch City Council and representation of manu whenua is legislated for ECan (so can't be overruled by a referendum).
How is this working and what does it mean? Can a faith-based perspective help us navigate these issues? With local input and resources from Common Grace Aotearoa, attendees will have a chance to explore some of these issues together.
Date: Wednesday 10th September 2025.
Time: 6 to 7.30pm.
Location: Wānanga Room at Aldersgate (309 Durham Street North, Central City).
Cost: FREE. Parking and bike racks are available off Chester Street West.
Contact Aldersgate for more information on this seminar on local elections and Māori wards, or other upcoming talks in the Spirited Conversations series (stewards[at]aldersgate.org.nz).
This seminar is part of a monthly series of Spirited Conversations sponsored by Durham Street Methodists - as part of their commitment to bringing critical thinking, and ethical and spiritual insights to important issues of the day for the city and its diverse people.