Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Maori ward for Nelson City Council uncertain

Updated at 8:33 pm on 3 February 2012

The chance of the Nelson City Council becoming the first unitary authority in New Zealand to have a Maori ward, is far from certain.

Last November councillors voted unanimously in favour of a resolution to create a Maori ward in time for the 2013 local government elections.

But this week the Local Government Commission approved a merger of the Nelson City and Tasman District Councils.

Nelson's Mayor Aldo Miccio says if ratepayers vote for amalgamation there won't be a Maori ward.

He says he's been in touch with all iwi leaders in the region who are more than happy with what may transpire.

Mr Miccio says Maori realise that amalgamation will lead to greater efficiencies for their organisations, as they will only have to deal with one local government organisation.

He says if amalgamation goes ahead, the new council will have a Maori advisory board.

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