Councillor’s Car Shot at in Protest Over Māori Wards as Racial Tensions Heighten

Growing tensions between supporters and opponents of Māori wards in New Zealand local authorities have led to the shooting of a distinctive ute belonging to New Plymouth City Councillor Murray Chong. Chong was not in the vehicle when it was shot at. The issue is inflaming racial tensions in the country after the Coalition rescinded a law passed by the previous Labour government allowing councils to make their own judgement as to whether they wanted a separate ward representing Māori electors. Under the new law, a council that has decided to adopt a Māori ward was required to vote on scrapping it or retaining it until the 2025 local authority elections. Then, a binding referendum of electors will make the final decision....