3 October 2025
Mr Karl Le Quesne
The Electoral Commission
PO BOX 3220
Wellington 6140
By email: [email address]; cc: Hon Paul Goldsmith, Hon Simon Watts
Dear Mr Le Quesne,
Re: Assurance of impartiality in Māori wards referenda and review of Commission communications
I write on behalf of Hobson’s Pledge to seek immediate reassurance from the Electoral Commission
that it is acting with complete neutrality and fairness in relation to the current Māori wards
referenda being held across New Zealand.
It has come to public attention, via MP Cameron Luxton, that material promoting Māori wards
appeared on the Commission’s website during a period in which many local authorities are
conducting referenda on the matter (see
lin
k: https://x.com/actparty/status/1973612028486099190). We note and appreciate that the
content appears to have since been removed. However, the episode raises serious concerns about
how such material came to be published, and whether similar content remains in circulation
elsewhere.
Background and concerns
The Electoral Commission’s credibility rests upon its absolute impartiality. Even the perception of bias
risks undermining confidence in the fairness of the democratic process, particularly when New
Zealanders are being asked to vote on sensitive questions of representation and governance.
Section 11 of the
Electoral Act 1993 and long-standing principles of administrative neutrality require
the Commission not only to act impartially but also to be seen to do so. In this case, the publication
of content appearing to favour one outcome of the Māori wards referenda is deeply troubling.
To restore confidence and ensure transparency, we respectfully request the following:
1.
Public assurance of neutrality: That the Electoral Commission confirm in writing that it is,
and will continue to be, entirely neutral in all communications and actions relating to Māori
wards and the associated referenda.
2.
Confirmation of removal: That the Commission confirm all promotional or potentially biased
material, including website pages, public statements, and social media posts, has been fully
removed or corrected.
3.
Independent review: That the Commission undertake (or permit) an independent review of
its communications, content approval processes, and oversight mechanisms.
4.
Accountability and prevention: That the Commission outline what accountability measures
or internal processes are being taken to identify how the breach occurred, and what steps
are being implemented to prevent a recurrence.
5.
Disclosure of relevant guidance: That the Commission disclose any internal guidance, policy,
or correspondence relating to Māori wards or local representation that informed its public
communications.
Hobson’s Pledge seeks a fair, balanced, and transparent process. Public confidence in the
Commission depends on visible accountability when errors occur. We trust that you will treat this
matter with the seriousness it deserves and provide the requested assurances without delay.
We look forward to your written response.
Yours faithfully
Don Brash
HOBSONS PLEDGE
