Direct Maori representation on local councils will apparently make a big difference.

The Government has announced it will put in place the same rules for establishing Maori wards, as for general wards, removing the ability for a poll to overturn a council's decision.

Local Government New Zealand president Stuart Crosby says at the moment many councils have various arrangements in place to engage and consult with Maori.

“If established, their voice will add value to the decision-making process.

“It won't just be of benefit for iwi, but the whole community, to have that direct voice at the table.”

Crosby says there's been a lot of attempts by councils over many years to create a Maori ward, but many have failed.

He hopes that the removal of the poll provisions will encourage more Maori constituencies and more Maori wards.

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