Maori Constituencies | Hawke’s Bay Regional Council

Project Type

Formal Consultation

Other

Engagement Strategy, Campaign Development

In February 2021, Hawke’s Bay Regional Council agreed to consult on whether to establish Māori constituencies before the 2022 elections. 

Government had removed the requirement for a binding referendum if 5 percent of voters signed a petition, encouraging many councils across Aotearoa to debate the issue. 

As Covid was still heavily impacting communities, Regional Council asked Frank Engagement to design and implement a largely online consultation campaign, reaching as many residents as possible within a four-week timeframe.

During that time, Frank Engagement worked closely with Council officers to develop an engagement strategy, develop bilingual key messages, and drive these out through a range of channels, including drafting a webpageconsultation document, scripting videofrequently asked questionssocial media posts and an online submission form.

Key to the engagement were four hui, hosted by taiwhenua of the area, a Facebook Live session and working with Ngāti Kahungunu Iwi Inc. to reach Māori communities who had a special interest in the consultation.

A total of 1114 submissions were received, with 89% for and 10% against the establishment of Māori constituencies. Informed by the consultation, Council unanimously voted in May to establish two Māori constituencies. A subsequent representation review was conducted to determine boundaries and names of the constituencies.

Scroll to Top