Auckland councillors are almost split down the middle on whether to establish separate Māori ward seats.
Councillors have voted against the idea, 11 votes to 9.
Howick Ward Councillor Maurice Williamson —who voted against the seats— told Mike Hosking that most public submitters were opposed to Māori seats.
He says the council already has separate Māori representation around the council table through the Independent Māori Statutory Board.
Whau Ward Councillor Kerrin Leoni —who voted for the seats— says the result is disheartening.
She says it's a lost opportunity to allow some great Māori to contribute to the future of the city.
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