Support for an Auckland Council Maori ward - but not as a replacement to the existing Independent Maori Statutory Board.

Some councillors have proposed replacing it, with a Maori seat on the council in the 2019 elections.

Statutory Board chairman David Taipari says the Maori seat is a good idea, but it cannot serve the same role as their organisation.

"If there are wards established and representatives elected that won't remove the board because they don't have the same function."

The board was set up with Auckland Council, to make sure it meets its Treaty of Waitangi obligations.