A Northland mayor is hailing the new law that requires Māori wards to be put to referendum as a win for democracy. 

The coalition Government is introducing a bill allowing communities to petition for binding polls on Māori ward decisions. 

It reverses legislation from the previous Government that ensured councils would not have wards overturned through public referendum. 

Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson told Mike Hosking he believes a lot of Māori would support the new bill. 

He says the previous laws were condescending to Māori and don't acknowledge them as hard-working people.

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A Northland mayor is hailing the new law that requires Māori wards to be put to referendum as a win for democracy.  
The coalition Government is introducing a bill allowing communities to petition for binding polls on Māori ward decisions.  
It reverses legislation from the previous Government that ensured councils would not have wards overturned through public referendum.  
Kaipara mayor Craig Jepson told Mike Hosking he believes a lot of Māori would support the new bill.  
He says the previous laws were condescending to Māori and don't acknowledge them as hard-working people. 
LISTEN ABOVE

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

A fresh and intelligent start to your day - catch the very latest international and domestic news developments, sport, entertainment and business on Early Edition with Ryan Bridge, on Newstalk ZB.

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