New Plymouth Council backing Local Electoral Act changes - a podcast by RNZ

The New Plymouth District Council has signaled its support of expected changes to the Local Electoral Act, which would scrap the provision allowing for citizen-initiated referenda, after Councillors voted to to establish a Maori ward. 
In July, the council voted to establish a Maori ward for the 2022 election. A petition for a citizens-initiated referendum on the issue was started immediately afterwards.
A similar referendum overturned the establishment of a Maori ward in the city in 2015, when 83 percent of those who took part voted it down. 
Councillors agreed to prepare a submission to government which backs getting rid of the citizens-initiated referenda, but the decision was not unanimous. 
Taranaki-Whanganui reporter Robin Martin has more.

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