It means the matter will now go to a binding public referendum at next year's local body elections, with the result taking effect from 2028 onwards.

It means the matter will now go to a binding public referendum at next year's local body elections, with the result taking effect from 2028 onwards.

The council currently has two Māori ward councillors, Phoenix Ruka and Deb Harding, elected at large across the district.

A deputy mayor says she its disappointed the council has been forced to relitigate decisions it made last year.

A deputy mayor says she its disappointed the council has been forced to relitigate decisions it made last year.

Instead, the council will keep its two-seat Māori ward at the next election, and hold a referendum.

The council will be one of the last local authorities in the country to choose between scrapping its Māori ward and holding a binding poll at the...

"These seats have brought a Māori worldview to a place where it has a voice and a vote," the council's chair says.

The Waikato-based council has agreed to continue to provide a seat at the table for Māori.

The uMkhonto Wesizwe party saw its second ward councillor elected as it turned the tables on the ANC and the EFF in Rustenburg, North West. The DA had...