5 Dec 2011

Opposition grows to Nelson Council Maori ward

7:23 pm on 5 December 2011

The organisers of a petition against a Nelson City Council decision to create a Maori ward say they now have about 1200 signatures.

The council decided in November to create a Maori ward - only the third council in New Zealand to do so - and it has proved contentious, with some residents saying they should have been consulted.

The petition, organised by New Zealand First Party president Kevin Gardener, wants a poll on the issue.

The organisers need 1750 names - or 5% of registered voters - before the end of February.

If enough people sign, there would be a poll in May of Nelson ratepayers or those on the Nelson electoral roll.

The legality of the council's decision to create the Maori ward has also been challenged.