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New Zealand First leader Winston Peters says a petition from New Plymouth mayor Andrew Judd seeking Maori wards on all district councils is an affront to democracy.
He says the mayor’s bid to create such a ward in his own town was rejected by voters, so he’s asking parliament to override the popular will.
Mr Peters say Maori will never get anywhere if they need special treatment.
He says the Maori voice is being heard at a political level.
"Up north you've got Kelvin Davis, myself, Shane Reti, David Clendon. In the far north there are four MPs with Maori in their background. On council you've got Dover Samuels and others so what on earth are they asking for special treatment for when what we've got to do is get Maori on the roll and get them out to vote," he says.
Maori Party co-leader Te Ururoa Flavell has accepted Mr Judd’s petition, which will be referred to the local government and environment committee.
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