Council votes for Māori Wards

At the Council meeting on 29 April Rangitīkei District Council unanimously decided to take the next steps towards creating Māori Wards for the 2022 elections.

Council made this decision following a recommendation from Te Roopuu Ahi Kaa, Council’s Iwi Liaison Committee, asking Council to support the establishment of Māori Wards throughout the Rangitīkei District.

Mayor Andy Watson said this is an important step in honouring the Te Tiriti o Waitangi. He was pleased there was unanimous support from all the Elected Members to look at Council’s make-up and how Māori can be represented by either one or more seats at the Council table.

“Council has had an excellent voice for iwi through its partnership approach with Te Roopuu Ahi Kaa, and this decision builds on and enhances that relationship.”

The decision to look at Māori wards means that Council will now undertake a representation review and seek feedback from the community on its proposals, which will contribute to Council’s final proposal.