A shared letter to Ministers Chris Luxon and Shane Jones

SUBJECT: Local Body Draft Code of Conduct and the 2026 Referendum

Dear Ministers,

I've attached an email I sent to Simon Watts in his capacity as Local Bodies Minister.

I encourage you to support him in ensuring the Treaty aspects of this proposed Code of Conduct end up in the bin.

REFERENDUM 2026

I also encourage the government to have a (binding) referendum in the 2026 general election allowing the voting public a say on the following:

1- the term of parliament: 3 years or 4

2- the retention of the Maori seats in Parliament (and by default the existence of the Maori Roll)

3- the voting age: reduced to 16 or stay as it is

BACKGROUND

The Coalition has largely failed to stop the creeping Maorification of NZ. It is embedded in our Judiciary, Civil Service, Academia and Media.

The inclusion in statute and departmental guidelines of vague Maori concepts/ spiritualism that lack a sound definition in English language, or even a consistent interpretation among various Iwi, is making a mockery of the Courts and conduct of many public institutions and businesses.

Erica Stanford's failure to reduce the importance and extent of Maori education

(indoctrination?) required in primary/ secondary education was a missed opportunity. Schools are now required to promote beliefs that are the current foundations for Maori activism.

Nicola Willis trivialized the Maorification issue saying it was a distraction from the priority of fixing the economy. In fact, it is one of the major flaws in our economy contributing to a bigger government and slow/poor decision-making and poor productivity.

The proposed Code of Conduct is another blatant attempt to bypass democracy and impose Partnership obligations on Local Councils. The cost of these partnerships will be borne by Rate Payers both in dollars spent and more importantly, lost opportunities as Iwi controlled decision-making denies, delays and taxes those trying to make progress.

I spend time in Northland - I have an interest in a property there where I spend my summer. I witness how it is a deprived and poor region compared to other parts of New Zealand despite its numerous advantages. Maori exert greater influence in the North than in most parts of NZ. I feel the failure of the local Iwi to embrace progress and facilitate wealth creation and productivity are major reasons for the North's relative poverty.

Please do what we voted for - keep Local bodies free from Treaty politics and free to democratically represent their communities in providing the essential services communities require. Councils are not a tool to change the culture or beliefs of our communities.

Stand up to the vocal activist minority and a biased press (purchased by Willie Jackson during the 6 years of Labour rule?) calling for Maori partnerships - that are always paid for by the taxpayer. Much of the public media and public funding is used to support the activist's groups who now lobby so effectively that it hides the low level of support they have from the NZ public.

The majority of us want a society where we have equal opportunity and equal rights.

Equity (not equality) is the word used in many of these codes of conduct and directives set for public institutions. Equity is the dream of Marxists, but we all do not have the same abilities, drive and ambition.

The goal of a decent society should be equality of access to opportunities, rewards based on merit, and protecting and taking care of those unable (not just unwilling) to take care of themselves.

Those on the Left (including TPM and the Greens) want everything we have - except our jobs.

Many in NZ suffer from an "entitlement mentality" fostered by a generous welfare state. Even those on Middle incomes receive government support. The tax/welfare system penalises those who work.

The Maorification movement seeks to extend the number and power of the entitled, to include race as well as need as grounds for tax-payer funded support.

The rapid growth since 2017 of the "services" component of the Maori Economy indicates the cost the productive part of NZ is carrying in meeting the Partnership/ Treaty obligations.

The Maori Co-governance and Partnership movement is expanding the privileges of the welfare state to a new class of beneficiaries - those of Maori Race. They will be (are being?) judged to different standards in schools and law courts. They will be rewarded with generous tax/rate payer funded jobs mandated under law. These jobs are not required to contribute to wealth creation or the betterment of NZ. These jobs promote bigger government, cultural indoctrination, more obstacles to growth and more handouts for the chosen ones.

Please do what we voted for and stop the rot.

Regards

Grant

Sent from my iPad

Begin forwarded message:

> From: Grant

> Date: 2 October 2025 at 07:43:05 BST

> To: Simon.WattsSimon.Watts@parliament.govt.nz

> Subject: Local Body Draft Code of Conduct.

>

> Dear Minister.

>

> I am a long time National supporter. However, I find I am increasingly frustrated by the current government's failure to act decisively on the Maorification of NZ.

>

> In local government you've done well to restore democracy with respect to Māori Wards.

>

> I hope you do so again by rejecting elements of the proposed Code of Conduct that will force Local Councils to become Partners with Maori in ways not envisaged or intended by the Treaty.

>

> The proposals will add significant cost to rate payers and will frustrate decision making at the Local Body level. It will give local Iwi unreasonable control over private property rights.

>

> I understand the proposed Code of Conduct was drafted by Commissioners appointed by Ms Mahuta. As such, it was part of her government's agenda promoting Maori sovereignty.

Grant is a BB&H reader and commenter