September 10, 2014
Positive vote for Maori wards
Elected Maori representation on the New Plymouth District Council is a step closer with the council’s strategy commission last night narrowly endorsing a proposal to create a Maori ward.
The plan will be put to the full council later this month.
Mayor Andrew Judd has been pushing for the ward since April when the council rejected a move to appoint tangata whenua to standing committees.
Grey Power has threatened to start a petition to force the council to put the issue to a referendum.
Maori Party candidate Chris McKenzie says last night’s vote came after lobbying from the council's youth working group.
He says councillors need to listen to the leaders of tomorrow.
Copyright © 2014, UMA Broadcasting Ltd