ACT backs closing Auckland’s unelected voting loophole

ACT Local Government spokesperson Cameron Luxton is welcoming news the Local Government Minister is considering expanding proposed changes to ensure unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members cannot vote on Auckland Council committees.

“ACT’s position has always been simple: if you haven’t faced the voters, you shouldn’t have a vote on how ratepayers’ money is spent. Making this principle apply to Auckland's IMSB would mean the Minister's changes align with my Member’s Bill,” says Mr Luxton.

“The Government has already agreed to adopt 90 per cent of my Bill by removing voting rights from unelected appointees on council committees. The next logical step is to pick up the remaining 10 per cent by making sure Auckland Council’s unelected Independent Māori Statutory Board members are not carved out. ACT believes this change can be made within the scope of the Government’s broader reforms.

“On behalf of ACT, I'd like to thank Local Government Minister Simon Watts picking up this work. We're encouraging him to take the reform all the way.

“ACT will keep pushing to restore democratic accountability to local government and put ratepayers back at the centre of council decision-making.”