September 27, 2017
Maori ward on Auckland agenda
Auckland Council will today vote on whether to create a Maori ward.
When the super city was created then local government minister Rodney Hide opted for an Independent Maori Statutory Board which could put representatives on council committees, rather than giving Maori an elected seat at the top table.
But every two terms all councils must consider the way they manage Maori representation.
New Mayor Phil Goff has expressed his preference for elected rather than appointed representation, but a spokesperson told RNZ National he would not vote for the resolution.
A council decision to proceed could face a challenge if more than 5 percent of eligible voters sign a petition requiring a binding referendum on the seat.
At the 2013 census about 11 percent of residents identified as Maori.
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