April 16, 2021
Hamilton starts consultation on Maori wards
Hamilton City Council has revoked an earlier decision and will consider creating Māori wards in time for the next election.
Yesterday’s vote kicked off a three week community engagement on the wards and other ways to increase Māori representation on council.
A final decision will be made on May 19.
Mayor Paula Southgate says the issue had been fraught because people held passionate views, but she believed Council had landed on the right result.
If Māori wards are confirmed, there is likely to be two wards in place for the city in time for the 2022 elections based on population, which will be voted for by people on the Māori electoral roll.
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