New Plymouth councillor removed from meeting after calling policy racist

Thursday 14 August 2025 · 3 outlets · 3 reports · updated Thu 14 Aug 2025, 7:31pm

In this story Hobson's Pledge, Max Brough

New Plymouth mayor Murray Chong was removed from a council meeting after labelling a new procurement policy racist. The policy aims to improve partnerships with local iwi, hapū and Māori businesses. The mayor also questioned the motives of a Hobson's Pledge founder during the meeting.

How they headlined it

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2:03pm7:31pm

1. 1NewsThu 14 Aug 2025, 2:03pm

   Councillor kicked out of meeting after labelling policy 'racist' (opens in new tab)

2. StuffThu 14 Aug 2025, 2:06pm

   Councillor kicked out after labelling policy ‘racist’ (opens in new tab)

3. RNZThu 14 Aug 2025, 7:31pm

   New Plymouth councillor Murray Chong kicked out after labelling policy ‘racist’ (opens in new tab)