The Tauranga City Council in February 2021 was holding a postal poll on the proposed special Tauranga Māori Ward, as more than five per cent of Tauranga voters signed a petition asking for it. The then Local Government Minister, Nanaia Mahutu, passed legislation to stop voters deciding.

A Maori ward is to be included in the forthcoming Tauranga Local Body Election.

Legislation is currently passing through Parliament to restore binding polls on the establishment of Maori wards, and those that were mandated to be voted on.

TCC wants to hold that poll in 2028, or for our newly-elected councillors to decide if they wish to disestablish the special Maori ward. I believe the incoming councillors will have far more important problems to focus on, so include the postponed poll in this year’s Local Body Election and save the ratepayers the cost of a separate poll. Let democracy decide now.

Jim Sherlock, Parkvale.