The Hastings District Council will retain its new Takitimu Māori Ward for a second term but will have a referendum for any further term if required by legislative changes going through Parliament.
Hastings Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst, whose council has confirmed its Takitimu Māori will have at least a second term before any referendum takes effect. Photo / NZME
The decision was made at a council meeting on Thursday.
The requirement for a binding poll of residentswas removed from the Local Electoral Act 2001 in 2021, and extensive community engagement found 76 per cent of respondents in favour, followed by a representation review that resulted in the Takitimu ward being established ahead of the 2022 Local Elections.
A binding poll next year would take effect at the 2028 elections.
Mayor Sandra Hazlehurst said the proposed change was concerning, particularly given the level of support for Māori wards the community had shown during the council’s consultation in 2021.
A by-election needed after the resignation of the councillor elected in 2022 closes on Friday, May 24.