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Auckland Council is asking Aucklanders for feedback on Māori seats.
Governance services manager Rose Leonard says the consultation, which will run from August 21 until September 24, is an opportunity for mana whenua, Māori and the wider public in Tāmaki Makaurau to say whether or not they want the council to introduce Māori seats.
Amending legislation would be needed to introduce the seats, including whether they would be elected or appointed.
Māori-elected seats are elected by those on the Māori electoral roll, and the council would need to establish one or more Māori wards, using a population-based formula in the Local Electoral Act 2001.
Māori-appointed seats may be appointed in several ways, such as through a selection panel or a mana whenua forum.
A Māori ward councilor would make decisions that impact the region alongside other councilors and the mayor on the governing body.
If the council decides to introduce Māori seats in the next local elections, it must do so by November 23 to meet the Local Electoral Act deadline.
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