Ngai Te Rangi's representative is 'disappointed but not surprised” at the result of the referenda to create Maori wards.

Everyone who pays rates should understand that the Resource Management Act directs local government to consult with Maori, and they have over Maori wards. What they have not done is to consult with the wider community.

The result in the five districts that ran referenda was a resounding ‘no'. This is a clear message to Local Government NZ, who, without consulting their wider constituency have written to parliament to delete the ability for citizens to hold referenda on the creation of Maori wards.

Western Bay councillors did not wait for the results of their referenda. They sent confirmation to Local Government NZ stating that WBOPDC supports the letter written by David Cull, LGNZ to Nanaia Mahuta at parliament.

Every elected local government person swears an ‘allegiance' to the district at large. Not a ward, and not a specific culture.

M Anderson, Pyes Pa.