We suggest readers ask Council candidates in Kapiti what their attitude is to this racism.

by Elliot Ikilei

New Plymouth Council has made its intentions unmistakably clear: when it comes to awarding contracts, your race matters more than your product or price.

They’re proposing a new procurement strategy that explicitly prioritises businesses owned by Māori, iwi, hapū, whānau, and a vaguely defined group called “minority communities.”  The message is blunt: white people need not apply [we assume same applies to other ethnicities —Eds]. 

The council wraps this in the language of “social procurement” and “delivering value for money.” But the real focus is on meeting “cultural needs” and making decisions based on race. Officials openly state the plan includes:

…strengthening engagement with Māori and iwi-affiliated enterprises… targeted outreach, supplier workshops, and simplified bidding processes.

Put simply, this is a system built to give racial preference — your rates paying to prioritise some groups over others.

Even more troubling is the process. The council is pushing to approve this policy before the October elections, promising to iron out the details after a new council takes office. This is putting the cart before the horse: agreeing to a race-based system without clear parameters, and before voters have their say.

If you live in New Plymouth, it’s time to ask your mayor and councillors what exactly they’re doing with your money,  and why they’re rushing this through without proper transparency.