Gisborne District Council this morning voted unanimously to create Māori wards in time for the 2022 local government election.
Mayor Rehette Stoltz says the current representation model wasn't fit for purpose, and there was now the opportunity to work with the community to address that.
It was also a chance to give more support to rural councillors.
Electors can demand a binding referendum on the matter if they get just 1625 signatures on a petition.
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