The council in Hawke's Bay responsible for approving a walking track on sacred land without informing iwi has appointed Māori representatives to its standing committees. At a meeting on Thursday, Hastings District Council voted to appoint Māori representatives to four standing committees, and give them voting rights at those committee meetings only. In 2017, the council voted against introducing Māori wards. (File photo)READ MORE:* Harmony and the case for Māori wards* Supercity to exclude Māori representation* Māori appointments to committees a long time coming* Hamilton one step from Māori representation* The case for Māori wards"The season is nigh. Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the decision meant the council would be more inclusive, and the representatives would bring valued knowledge from Te Ao Māori - the Māori world.

Source: Stuff March 29, 2019 03:02 UTC