May 12, 2015
Maori wards not viable option for Rotorua
Rotorua Lakes Council has dismissed the idea it should establish Maori wards rather than the partnership structure suggested by Te Arawa.
The council has finished hearing submissions and will decide later this month on whether to adopt the plan to put representatives chosen by Te Arawa on some of its committees and hearing panels.
Mayor Steve Chadwick says the council voted unanimously last November not to introduce Maori wards.
That could have been overturned by a referendum, but there was no call for one.
Even if it changed its decision, the earliest a change would come into effect would be the 2019 elections.
In the meantime the council would still need to identify a way to meet its legislative obligations to develop a mechanism for Maori participation in council-making processes for the in
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