Auckland Council’s vote to oppose the Treaty Principles Bill has opponents questioning why a local body is involved in a national issue.
On The Platform with Sean Plunket, Councillor Maurice Williamson expressed frustration, saying, “The treaty is an agreement between the Crown and Māori… we’re not the Crown. Why are we getting involved in something that has nothing to do with us?”
The council held a meeting where Committee Chair Richard Hills pushed for a motion opposing the bill, despite initial plans to submit neutral feedback. Williamson and others argued that council resources should not be used to engage in matters beyond its remit, such as national treaty issues. “We’re elected to pick up your rubbish, put in footpaths, and provide fresh water,” he said.
The final vote on whether to remove the word “opposition” from the council’s submission regarding the Treaty Principles Bill resulted in a 10–10 tie. Councillor Richard Hills cast the deciding vote to retain the word “opposition,” ensuring the council’s submission explicitly opposed the bill.
Notably, the tie occurred because two unelected members of the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) participated in the vote. “It wasn’t even the councillors’ majority will that decided this,” Williamson exclaimed.
“We should be putting all our energy into improving service levels and cutting waste, not debating national treaty matters,” Williamson told Plunket.
Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown was absent during the vote.