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The newly-appointed Minister for Auckland, Carmel Sepuloni, wants to see dedicated Māori seats on Auckland Council.
The council is consulting on how to get the seats which were left out of the 2010 formation of the super city.
Because of a statutory limit on the number of seats around the council table, any change will require amending legislation.
Ms Sepuloni says representation is incredibly important.
“There has always been an underrepresentation of Maori in terms of elected reps so this provides an opportunity for the voice to be at the table. Ultimately, they are decisions for the Auckland Council but I have put on record before, of course I’m supportive,” she says.
Auckland Council is also asking for feedback on whether Maori wards should replace the Independent Maori Statutory Board or be in addition.
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