Lawrence Gullery/Stuff
Waipā district councillors and staff stand for the closing karakia and waiata after voting to establish Waipā’s first Māori ward.
Waipā district councillors were finally able to show their hand when they voted “yes” to setting up a Māori ward for the 2022 election. Mayor Jim Mylchreest had earlier not wanted to suggest which way councillors might vote because he said it would jeopardise the legislative process. But when the council met on Wednesday to review public feedback and hear final submissions, it was clear how the mayor wanted the vote to go. “From my perspective, despite any Treaty or legal obligation, it’s just common sense. To be in 2021 and not have representation of our whole community around the table is just crazy.