The proposed legislation provides mana whenua representation on the Canterbury Regional Council, while giving Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu the right to appoint up to two members of the council in addition to elected members and to ensure that, once appointed, those members have the same status as elected members for all purposes. The National Party opposes this legislation because the proposed provisions are undemocratic. The proposed two additional members of the council would be appointed by Te Rūnanga o Ngāi Tahu rather than being elected by the public, of whom Ngāi Tahu are members.