March 11, 2021
Wellington keen for Maori ward
Wellington City Council has taken steps toward creating a Māori ward.
Its strategy and policy committee today voted 12-3 to support the creation of the ward in time for next year’s elections.
Committee chair Jill Day, who is Ngāti Tūwharetoa, says it’s a way to ensure Māori are always represented at the Council table and an important step in honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi.
It’s one of the first councils to make the step after the recent law change taking away the risk such decisions will be overturned by compulsory referendum.
Consultation on the plan will start soon, and the council will then hold a formal representation review.
Mayor Andy Foster says it’s important to enable Māori to determine the form of elected representation they wish to have on the council.
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