The Local Government Minister says Māori wards on councils should be a decision for the public.

Simeon Brown's announced the referendums will be reintroduced, which reverses the previous Government's legislation removing the requirement.

It also means Māori wards established since must now hold a binding poll, or disestablish the wards.

Brown says about 45 councils will have to go to referendum.

"What the coalition Government has said is that we believe that if councils wish to put in place these Māori wards- that they need to ask the voters."

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