This is a heartfelt thank you.
The results are in, and they speak for themselves. Twenty-five councils have voted to remove Māori wards. That is not just a political result, it is a statement. It is proof that when ordinary New Zealanders are given the chance to decide for themselves, they choose equality, democracy, and fair representation over division and race-based privilege.
You fought an incredibly hard campaign. From the outside, it may have looked like just another political debate, but anyone paying attention knows it was far from easy. Billboard companies were harassed. Stuff pulled your ads. The media and political establishment openly sided with the other team. And still, you kept going.
You stood on principle, not because it was popular, but because it was right. That takes real courage.
To Dr. Don Brash, who has never stopped standing up for the idea that all New Zealanders are equal before the law, thank you. Your consistency and calm leadership have been invaluable in an era where too many prefer slogans over substance.
To Elliot Ikilei, who fronted the campaign with conviction and clarity, thank you. You have been a voice of reason and courage when it was needed most.
To the many others who helped make this happen, Corina Shields, Walt Cavendish, and every single person who lent their face, their voice, or their energy to the campaign, whether you agreed on every detail or not, your willingness to stand up publicly for what you believe in deserves recognition.
It takes guts to speak out in today’s climate, especially when doing so puts a target on your back. This result, twenty-five councils choosing to remove Māori wards, proves that the message resonated deeply across the country.
It is a victory for common sense. A victory for those who still believe that New Zealand should not be divided by ancestry or political fashion.
There is still more work ahead, and we all know that. Seventeen councils have chosen to keep Māori wards, and that shows the fight for true equality is not over. What you have achieved is extraordinary. You have reminded the nation that democracy still works when the people are allowed to speak freely.
You have made a real difference.
Sincerely,
Matua Kahurangi
Yes you are so right, Hobsons Pledge has been critical when it comes to getting the people to understand how much democracy has been eroded in this country and that we can actually vote to get it back.
Love these people - they have kept reasoned logic in their argument and maintained dignity, even when the other side stopped to low bullying behaviour. They continue to receive my full support.