The Manawatū District Council has overturned its previous decision and voted for Māori wards. The district council has reversed its stance and is now backing the inclusion of a Māori ward for the 2022 elections. READ MORE:* Manawatū council revokes earlier recommendation and introduces Māori wards* Māori participation in council 'shunned', say church leaders* Tararua councillors to consider introducing Māori ward* People say they want Māori wards in wider Manawatū and Horowhenua* Māori 'kicked in the guts' over failed Māori ward bid in ManawatūDAVID UNWIN/STUFF/Stuff Eye to eye, Manawatū District Council general manger of infrastructure Hamish Waugh and Rangitāne kaumātua Wiremu Kingi Te Awe Awe, hongi following the decision to implement a Māori ward in the district. DAVID UNWIN WARWICK SMITH/ STUFF Manawatū iwi and supporters' historic hīkoi through Feilding, calling on the Manawatū District Council to reconsider its stance on Māori wards. The number of Māori ward seats would be determined by the proportion of residents on the Māori roll.

Source: Stuff May 19, 2021 21:24 UTC