The move puts the region on 'the right side of history', says council chairperson Daran Ponter. Photo: Shanon Stevens / Greater Wellington
Greater Wellington residents will vote on the creation of a Māori ward next year.
Regional councillors on Tuesday unanimously affirmed their resolution to establish a Māori constituency for local elections in 2025 and 2028.
The decision to create the ward was initially made last October with support from the regional council's mana whenua partners.
Under new government legislation, however, any council wanting to keep or establish a Māori ward must hold a poll with its constituents.
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Council chairperson Daran Ponter said the move put Greater Wellington on "the right side of history".
"For our journey to honouring Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the Wellington region elected leaders with the wisdom to establish a Māori constituency.
"In the best interests of our communities, we continue to support Māori aspirations for seats at the council table."
The government had taken an "unfortunate approach" in requiring a poll on whether the constituency would continue for the 2028 and 2031 local elections, councillors said in a statement.
Its electoral officer estimated next year's poll would cost $350,000 - around 0.07 percent of the council's spending for 2022/23.
Hikitia Ropata disagrees on the need for a poll. Photo: Greater Wellington
Greater Wellington Te Tiriti o Waitangi chairperson Hikitia Ropata disagreed on the need for a poll.
"Māori have always been underrepresented in local decision-making.
"Bringing back polls reinstates a long-standing barrier to Māori representation and inclusive democracy.
"We stand beside mana whenua and Māori knowing the potential for harmful race-based commentary in the run-up to the election.
"Let's rise above the rhetoric of fear and division and give Māori a voice in regional governance for years to come."
The council said the government's law change overrode the council's decision and would add more costs to ratepayers.