May 20, 2021
Both sides heard as Whakatane votes yes to Māori wards
An advocate for Māori seats in local government says critics did themselves no favours in the way they argued against the move.
Toni Boynton led a petition to parliament urging a change in the law to remove the referendum veto which had blocked Māori wards in most councils.
Yesterday it was the turn of her own Whakatāne council to consider the issue, and Mayor Judy Turner asked councillors for a unanimous vote, after hearing public submissions.
"Thee was some beautiful kōrero and there was some other side kōrero that made our kōrero look even better. I think it made it easier for those councillors we thought were sitting on a no to put their hats in and vote unanimously," Ms Boynton says.
Porirua and Manawatū also voted yesterday to create Māori wards, and Rotorua Lakes Council will vote today.
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