Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Disappointment over no dedicated Maori seats now over - Hide

Updated at 6:12 am on 1 October 2010

Local Government Minister Rodney Hide says he believes Maori have got over their initial disappointment at not getting dedicated seats on the new Auckland Council and are now working to make the new structure work.

Waatea News reports an iwi selection group appointed by Maori Affairs Minister Pita Sharples is looking for people to represent both mana whenua groups and mataawaka (Maori from tribes outside the region).

He says the Government also made sure Maori were included on the boards of the council-controlled organisations which will manage most of the super city's assets.

Mr Hide says it's up to councils to decide if they should set aside seats for Maori and he can imagine the new council doing just that.

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