New Zealand First to campaign on scrapping Independent Māori Statutory Board

New Zealand First will campaign on scrapping the Independent Māori Statutory Board (IMSB), which they say has significant influence over Auckland Council's decision making.

In a statement, the party said a member's bill had been written and introduced, which would see the unelected body that has "exercised significant influence" over council decision making since the creation of the Auckland Supercity in 2010.

"The amalgamation of Auckland's multiple councils was intended to deliver stronger representation, lower costs, and more efficient governance. Instead, it has produced a large and increasingly remote bureaucracy in which key decisions are shaped by unelected officials, parallel governance structures, and statutory bodies that are not accountable to ratepayers."

"Although originally established to provide advice, its statutory documents and appointments have become embedded across council planning, funding, procurement, and performance systems."

New Zealand First said Aucklanders were never asked whether they agreed to fund or empower "a parallel governance system".

"Ratepayers now pay millions of dollars annually to support IMSB operations, including $3.5 million last year alone, despite having no ability to elect or remove its members. This has contributed to a growing democratic deficit at a time when Aucklanders face rising rates, increasing debt, and reductions in core services."

"The removal of the IMSB will ensure that those who influence public spending and public decision making are directly accountable to the public. It does not prevent Auckland Council from engaging with Māori or recognising their interests, rather it ensures that such engagement occurs within democratically accountable structures."

The bill would transfer the IMSB's functions, property, and obligations back to Auckland Council.

RNZ has reached out to members of the IMSB and the Office of the Mayor of Auckland for comment.