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 webpage, consultation document, scripting video, frequently asked questions, social 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.
