Napier City Council blocked Mayor McGrath’s bid to strip mana whenua voting rights, preserving their full role on committees.

Napier City Council rejected Mayor Richard McGrath’s proposal to remove mana whenua representatives’ voting rights on standing committees, with a 6-4 vote in favor of an amendment preserving their status as full voting members with speaking rights. The decision followed criticism from Deputy Mayor Sally Crown and councillor Shyann Raihania, who called the initial move disrespectful and poorly communicated, emphasizing the need for consultation and transparency. The public gallery applauded the outcome, with attendees singing Tūtira Mai Ngā Iwi.