TRC decided to postpone any decision on a Māori ward in August, and has since agreed to support changing the law that allows the decision to be overturned by a referendum. Taranaki Regional Council has joined forces with other bodies supporting Local Government New Zealand's call to change the law around overturning Māori wards. At a meeting in August, TRC decided to delay the decision on introducing a Māori ward for at least three years to allow more time to consult with iwi. New Plymouth District Council established a Māori ward that month, but under the law, a petition signed by five per cent of the population can force a binding referendum on the issue. Stratford District Council has decided to delay making a decision on introducing a ward in order to consult with iwi.

Source: Stuff November 30, 2020 02:01 UTC