DAVID UNWIN/STUFF
Horizons Regional Council joins authorities in Palmertson North, Tararua and Waikato by introducing Māori wards for the 2022 elections. Councillor Piri-Hira Tukapua said those who signed the treaty hoped for a better future, and Māori had been waiting 181 years to get a seat at the table. She said she was privileged to be a voice for the community, but was elected to represent Levin. “I am not the voice for Māori at this table. It needs its own voice, its own seat.” Cr Robert Ketu said this was a dream come true. He had wanted this since his election.