Wairoa councillors delay vote on Maori wards – RadioNZ

Wairoa District Councillors voted on Tuesday to officially consult the community before making a decision on whether to introduce Maori wards for the local government elections.

Of the electoral population in the northern Hawke’s Bay region, 46% are Maori – one of the highest percentages in New Zealand.

The council considered two resolutions on the issue of having separate wards.

They voted against holding a poll immediately to gauge public opinion on the issue, but in favour of holding a poll during the 2013 elections.

Earlier this year the council held five public meetings and mailed out a discussion document,�Maori representation, what you need to know, which was accompanied by an informal expression of opinion survey.

Of those who responded to the survey, 62% voted against introducing Maori wards.

http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/te-manu-korihi/90421/wairoa-councillors-delay-vote-on-maori-wards