People from the Pacific Island community who backed a push for Maori seats on the Auckland super-city council are disappointed the Government has formally rejected the idea.
They say the Government's decision shows no flair or inspiration and New Zealand will be poorer in the longer term.
Waitakere Pacific board chair Sailauama Cheryl Talamaivao says putting Maori on the council was a chance for inspired and fresh political thinking that has been lost.
Ms Talamaivao says the Government could look to United States President Barack Obama for inspiration and another way to manage difference.
Auckland Pacific board chair Bruce McCarthy says big expectations of Prime Minister John Key have been dashed.
