Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta authored the bill on Māori wards. Photo / Mark MitchellDespite a vehement fight from the Opposition the bill to get rid of a public veto on Māori wards has passed. The rush was to ensure councils planning to set up Māori wards in the 2022 local body elections will not have those wards overturned by a referendum of local electors. Mahuta was in Parliament in 2002 when the then-Labour government changed the law to allow councils to set up Māori wards. Since then 24 councils have tried to introduce the Māori wards - with only three successful.

Source: New Zealand Herald February 24, 2021 07:34 UTC