Tuesday, 18 May 2021, 3:54 pm
Hastings District Council will now start the process of
undertaking a representation review, having today resolved
to establish Māori Wards.
The decision follows an
emergency meeting held on April 22 when Council decided to
gather feedback and gauge public opinion on introducing
Māori Wards.
This proposal was prompted by amendments
to the Local Electoral amendment Act in March this year
changing the process for establishing Māori Wards,
specifically removing the ability of electors to demand a
binding poll on the matter.
Between April 23 and May
12 the proposal was publicised across print media and radio,
on various social media channels, on the council website,