Be careful what you ask for with IMSB

Radio NZ reports:

New Zealand First will campaign on scrapping the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB), which they say has significant influence over Auckland Council’s decision making.

In a statement, the party said a member’s bill had been written and introduced, which would see the unelected body that has “exercised significant influence” over council decision making since the creation of the Auckland Supercity in 2010.

It is worth remembering that the IMSB was a compromise, when the Auckland Council was formed. Some were pushing for two Maori Ward Councillors, and the IMSB was the alternative – representation on some Council committees, but not on the main Council.

The existence of the IMSB has made it easier to say no to having Maori Wards. Basically you can have one, or the other, but not both.

If the IMSB is abolished, then I would expect that there will be a move for the creation of full voting Maori Ward Councillors. Now under the current law this would need to go to referendum, but around half the recent referendums did pass, so it could happen in Auckland.