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Green Party not giving up on Maori wards

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 21 May 2018, 5:39AM
Marama Davidson says it is wrong for the majority to dcide things for the minority. (Photo / NZ Herald)
Marama Davidson says it is wrong for the majority to dcide things for the minority. (Photo / NZ Herald)

Green Party not giving up on Maori wards

Author
Newstalk ZB Staff,
Publish Date
Mon, 21 May 2018, 5:39AM

Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson is refusing to give up the fight to create separate Maori wards, after Whakatane and Palmerston North both voted against the wards in binding referendums.

The wards had the backing of the local councils, but petitions against them gained enough public support to force the referendums.

Davidson says it's wrong for the majority to be setting the rules for minorities.

"Passing my law, which would have removed that referendum step and which would leave the decision in the hands of the elected councillors, is what is sorely needed."

She argues the referendums are just the start of the conversation and movement.

"Even with the poll losses, I know that the conversation and the movement will continue, and I'm sure that we will see Maori wards in my lifetime."

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