WTH Are Māori Wards? Episode 13: WTH Have We Learned?
After twelve weeks, twenty-five voices, and more lightbulb moments than we can count — here it is, the grand finale. In this season wrap-up, hosts Anaru Judd and Taryn Utiger look back at the biggest myth-busting moments, the toughest truths, and the most moving kōrero from across the series. It’s deep, it’s cheeky, it’s honest, and it might just be the best episode of the lot. Expect laughter, reflection, a few surprises, and plenty of banter as this dynamic duo unpack what they’ve learned (and unlearned) along the way. Grab your cuppa, whānau because this one goes straight to the heart of it all.
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WTH Are Māori Wards? Episode 12: Division or Partnership?
Whānau, we’ve saved a big one for last. In our final guest kōrero of the season, we bring you voices that sit at very different ends of the spectrum, and together, they show us exactly what’s at stake.
First up is Damon Fox, ACT Party candidate for New Plymouth District Council. He shares why he believes Māori wards aren’t the right path forward, drawing on his own values. Then we turn to Jay and Erin Ruka, whose life’s mahi is weaving aroha, reconciliation and difference into strength. Together these perspectives pose the question, are Māori wards division, or are they partnership? This episode is thoughtful, fiery, and deeply reflective. It’s not just about council seats, it’s about the kind of Aotearoa we want to grow into. Stay tuned for next week, when Andrew and Taryn reflect on the series and wrap up WTH we’ve learnt from WTH Are Māori Wards.
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WTH Are Māori Wards? Episode 11: Diverse Voices
From “no wards at all” to “Māori wards are a must,” this episode has it all. We bring you kōrero from every corner of the debate.
There’s a mayoral candidate, a Treaty expert, a migrant professor, and a long-time community advocate who’s been walking this journey for more than a decade.
In this chorus of perspectives, we talk to John Woodward who shares why he wants an at-large system with no wards at all, June Nicklin who takes us back to Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its promises, Professor Mohan Dutta who offers a migrant’s lens on solidarity and justice, and Glen Bennett who reflects on more than a decade of fighting for Māori wards.
Together, their kōrero shows just how layered, challenging, and vital this conversation really is. It’s not about left or right, for or against, it’s about what fairness, partnership, and representation looks like in Aotearoa today.
Four voices, one kaupapa, and a debate that shapes the future for all of us.
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WTH Are Māori Wards? Episode 10: Shaping the Future
Whānau, the future doesn’t arrive fully formed, it's shaped by us. It's shaped through the fire of activism, through the fearlessness of rangatahi, and through the wisdom of te ao Māori guiding us forward.
In this episode, Kassie Hartendorp of ActionStation brings the activist spark from the community frontline, Saphire Brady and Thiemo Hanne from Stratford’s Youth Council remind us that tomorrow’s democracy is already speaking through today’s youth, and Te Ariki Rangitutia of Matatoa Consultants grounds it all, showing us how honouring te ao Māori can shape the way Aotearoa listens, learns, and chooses its path forward.
Together, these voices speak passionately about the future of Aotearoa and how we get there.
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WTH Are Māori Wards? Episode 9: Let's Hui
From town halls to marae, hui are springing up all over Aotearoa, and they’re buzzing with kōrero about Māori wards. This week Anaru and Taryn take you inside one of them - the Keep Māori Wards Manawatū Hui, recorded and shared with aroha by our whānau at Manawatū People’s Radio.
You’ll hear from a stellar line-up of speakers: Professor Richard Shaw, Dr Matt Wynyard, and Hinemoana Durie-Shedlock. These sharp minds and strong community voices pull no punches about why Māori wards matter, and why this referendum is a fight for the future of our democracy.
The many hui happening around Aotearoa show just how powerful grassroots democracy can be. This is the sound of a movement rising. This is what happens when communities unite.
Hui by hui, Aotearoa is stepping up.
What are Māori wards? Why are they important? And why are they facing a referendum in Aotearoa in 2025?
In this bold and timely 10-part podcast, former New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd and journalist Taryn Utiger explore the meaning, mana and myths of Māori wards — from the history of Māori political representation to the modern-day battle for equity in local government.
Through expert interviews, whānau voices, real talk, and moments of raw honesty, this podcast shines a light on a part of our democracy that too few understand, and too many fear.
Whether you're on the fence or fired up, WTH Are Māori Wards? is here to help you listen deeper, think bigger, and vote informed.
New Zealand