Legal opinion reveals simple fix to IMSB voting issue

The Auckland Ratepayers’ Alliance has released a legal opinion from Franks Ogilvie confirming that the Government could remove the voting rights of the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB) through a simple amendment to the Local Government Systems Improvement Bill currently before Parliament.

Ratepayers’ Alliance spokesman Josh Van Veen said:

"Local Government Minister Simon Watts has claimed it is too difficult to close the loophole that allows Auckland Council to grant voting rights to the IMSB despite backing from the Prime Minister."

"However, the Franks Ogilvie opinion confirms that Watts could include a simple amendment to an existing bill already before Parliament. He can act now if he chooses to do so."

"Aucklanders are simply asking for the same democratic protections that the Government is extending to the rest of the country."

"If Parliament is willing to protect equal voting rights everywhere else, there is no reason Auckland should be treated differently."