Former mayor Andrew Judd says he is proud of his hometown.
Photo: RNZ / Richard Tindiller
District council staff have recommended creating at least one ward after amendments to election law in March.
Under the amended Local Government Act, councils may resolve to establish Māori wards before 21 May.
The amendments removed electors' ability to demand a binding poll on establishing Māori wards. No other electoral review needed such a referendum.
Mana whenua Rangitāne o Wairarapa and Ngāti Kahungunu ki Wairarapa have one representative on council and committees.
The representatives have votes on committees, but no voting rights on council decisions.