Tauranga City councillors have voted to introduce a separate Maori ward for the 2022 local body election onwards.

The fact that they have done so without public consultation highlights the arrogance of the councillors who voted for this resolution. I applaud councillors Hollis, Robson, Morris and Clout who voted against this move.

Concerned citizens need to make their voices heard to show they won't tolerate being treated with such contempt.

A separate Maori ward is not necessary for Council decisions which are mainly confined mainly to roads, clean drinking water, sewage, drainage, libraries, parks and sports facilities for everyone, irrespective of ethnicity.

Why not put this matter to a referendum to coincide with the next local body election and let electors decide and thus save hundreds of thousands of dollars?

It is particularly disturbing when you consider that three years ago, four separate local bodies, including the neighbouring Western Bay District, tried to introduce a separate Maori ward in this same fashion. In each case the required number of electors signed a petition demanding that Council hold a binding referendum. In each case the electors unanimously voted to reject a separate Maori ward.

If the same thing happens in Tauranga City and a petition gets the required number of signatures electors will get to have their say.

J Rudd, Oropi