30 M Ä ORI REPRESENTATIO N IN LO CAL GOVE R N M E N T If they have considered it, when did they consider and how? Most considered the issue during representation reviews, which also assessed the desirability of moving from First Past the Past to Single Transferrable Vote voting systems, and/or the desirability of electing councillors at large or using a ward system. Under sections 19H and 19I of the LEA 2001, local authorities are required to conduct a representation review at least once every six years, beginning either in 2003 or 2006. Was there any progress towards implementing Mäori wards or constituencies? Of the responses received, the Far North District Council (FNDC) has made the most progress toward implementing Mäori wards. As part of its 2008 representation review, the FNDC received a formal report on the issue, and subsequently resolved: That, in view of the FNDC’s intention to become a unitary authority [i.e. combine functions of territorial and regional authorities], it signals its support in principle for having dedicated Mäori seats once this status has been achieved. At the same time, the FNDC further resolved "to investigate non-electoral options for the engagement and involvement of Mäori in decision-making processes." The FNDC has started down the route of becoming a unitary authority. In May 2009, the FNDC received a staff report on Mäori representation, and in light of this report, the council resolved: That council signals its intent to favourably consider dedicated Mäori seats within the councillor membership and requests the Chief Executive to prepare a report on this matter in accordance with the Local Electoral Act 2001, for council’s consideration in November 2011. This is currently where the matter rests: the council intends to revisit the question as a part of an "elective" representation review in 2011. The FNDC staff reports on the issue canvas it from a range of angles and include an assessment of the significance of the issue, and an assessment of practicable options. Of particular note is the concluding comment: There are complexities involved in the process for determining whether or not to introduce Mäori representation, but this is overshadowed by the intricacy of determining the "right" thing to do. In addition to information provided in this report ... councillors will no doubt wish to reflect on matters concerning, for example: · the population of the district, which was 43.9 per cent Mäori at the last census, and whether existing or other non-electoral arrangements allow for appropriate representation for, or engagement with, Mäori to occur · the capacity of Mäori to participate in local government without electoral representation · the traditional voting behaviour of Mäori · the consequences of a decision on district governance generally · the likelihood of alternative options to fulfll council obligations to Mäori. The staff report further noted that "from submissions received and prior hui held, both the electoral and non-electoral opportunities for Mäori representation are preferred. From a Mäori perspective, they are not seen as being mutually exclusive and both forms of representation would complement one another."