Councils across New Zealand have been voting on the future of Māori wards, with a strong trend toward retaining them.
In a significant move, Northland City Council has been the latest council has voted unanimously to keep its Māori ward. This decision aligns with a nationwide pattern where nearly all councils have opted to maintain these wards.
Councils have also voiced criticism of the government’s requirement for binding polls on the future of these wards, describing it as “forced” and “discriminatory.” While Māori wards are confirmed for the 2025 local elections, polls will determine their status for subsequent elections in 2028 and 2031.
This decision was among the last before the national deadline, reflecting a broader commitment to ensuring Māori representation in local government. The move has been widely celebrated, particularly in areas with significant Māori youth populations, highlighting the importance of representation and inclusivity in shaping the future of local governance.
Despite the overall trend of retaining Māori wards, a few councils have chosen otherwise, with some decisions facing legal challenges, underscoring the ongoing debate over the best way to ensure fair representation across New Zealand.
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