Auckland Mayor Wayne Brown has criticized recent government moves to remove voting rights from non-elected members of council committees, calling the action “undemocratic” and highlighting the complexity of New Zealand’s parliamentary and local governance systems.

Brown’s comments come amid controversy surrounding the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) in Auckland. The IMSB was established about 16 years ago during the creation of the Auckland Super City, with support from former Act leader Rodney Hide and National’s Steven Joyce. The board includes representatives chosen from Auckland’s 19 iwi and Māori communities. These members are appointed through a contested process that differs from conventional democratic elections, reflecting Māori traditions of leadership selection.

The government recently announced legislation aimed at banning voting rights for non-elected members of council committees, a move that has drawn criticism from several quarters. Brown described the decision as rushed and pointed out that it was implemented without consultation, despite local councils being legally required to consult on a wide array of issues including rates and infrastructure changes. He noted that this change also inadvertently stripped voting rights from appointed independent members of the Auckland Council’s audit committee.

Brown framed the government’s move within a broader critique of New Zealand’s Mixed Member Proportional (MMP) electoral system, pointing out that many Members of Parliament serving as list MPs have not won local electorates but are appointed through party lists. He contrasted this with the process of selecting Māori leaders, characterizing it as more reflective of suitability than popularity, and urged recognition of different democratic traditions.

The mayor further suggested the government’s push to limit Māori representation at the local level is politically motivated. He linked the National Party’s stance to concerns over the rising support for Act, a smaller conservative party, and accused National of reacting with “panicked” and “venomous” rhetoric. Brown highlighted the inconsistency of attacking the IMSB while large bodies such as the New Zealand Transport Agency (Waka Kotahi)—which influences local infrastructure spending—are composed entirely of unelected officials, some linked to political parties.

Brown also disputed the characterization of the IMSB as extremist, instead describing its members as moderate and pragmatic contributors to council work. He emphasized that the IMSB did not have voting rights on the full Auckland Council governing body, where key decisions such as annual plans and rates are approved, but played a valuable advisory role that saved time and money during required consultations.

Finally, Brown expressed disappointment with Auckland’s newly appointed Minister Simon Watts, who initially assured that the IMSB’s voting rights would not be targeted in the legislation. The swift policy reversal caught many local officials off guard, fueling frustration over perceived undermining of Māori voices in local government decision-making.