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New Plymouth councillors have voted to establish a Māori ward, and in so doing side-stepped community consultation on the issue, for the time being.
It comes six years after another attempt to form a Māori ward was overturned by a community instigated referendum.
Former Mayor Andrew Judd, who didn't seek re-election in 2016 because of the hatred he endured for supporting a Māori ward, says he fears another community led referendum will take place.
Dinnie Moeahu is a New Plymouth councillor.
He speaks to Susie Ferguson.