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's strongly worded resolution also called on the CEO to explore the legal implications of not holding a binding poll as required.

The council's strongly worded resolution also called on the CEO to explore the legal implications of not holding a binding poll as required.

All but three of 45 councils which established the seats without a public referendum elected to retain the wards.

All but three of 45 councils which established the seats without a public referendum elected to retain the wards.

Ruapehu District councillors are seeking advice on the consequences if they refuse to run a binding poll on its Māori ward on at next October's...

Ruapehu District councillors are seeking advice on the consequences if they refuse to run a binding poll on its Māori ward on at next October's...

The public meeting was packed with people from all walks of life, and ended in a rousing haka when the majority of councillors cast their vote in...

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.