Councils around the country are standing by their commitment to Māori wards in what can be seen as a show of opposition to the Government forcing them into referendums on their future representation.
Ruapehu District Council yesterday voted unanimously to retain its Māori ward and three Māori ward seats for the upcoming October 2025 local body elections.
This decision means there will now be a binding poll as required by the legislation.
The outcome of the poll will not affect the 2025 elections but will be applied for the subsequent two terms.
Mayor Weston Kirton acknowledged the positive role of iwi leadership and the progress the council has made in the last few years in its engagement with iwi.
Horowhenua District Council voted 11-2 to keep its Māori ward.
Mayor Bernie Wanden says the two councillors had brought value and perspective to the council table.
An online survey found 77 percent support for keeping the ward.
Other councils in the region including Horizons regional Council, Palmerston North, Kapiti, and Greater Wellington Regional Council had also voted to retain their Māori wards.
Thames Coromandel District Council has voted to go ahead with creating a Maori ward.
