The debate over the wards has caused controversy after an initial vote on the issue earlier this month was not in favour of establishing a ward in time for the 2022 elections. Councillors voted to push the issue out in favour of public consultation. However, days later the council back-peddled following a meeting between Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate and Waikato-Tainui representatives. The mayor and five councillors then said they would revoke that decision at Thursday’s meeting. Tom Lee/Stuff Hamilton Mayor Paula Southgate has back-peddled after initially voting against installing a Māori ward at the time she said she couldn't support the introduction of Maori wards without first consulting the wider public (file photo).