March 03, 2015
Council poll could bar far north Maori ward
The Far North District Council has sent out postal voting forms on whether it should introduce Maori wards.
Iwi have opposed the poll, saying if the council was serious about having Maori at the table it should not have to get permission from the wider public.
Mayor John Carter says the council doesn’t have a view on Maori wards but it’s a decision that needs to be made by the community rather than the council.
He says if the public rejects the option, the council will seek feedback from Maori about other ways to get their input, such as appointments to an advisory board or council standing committees.
Votes must be in by March 16.
New Plymouth is preparing to hold a binding poll on Maori wards which iwi leaders fear will expose the region’s racist underbelly.
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