Wairoa District Council agreed on Tuesday to provide $25,000 from its development fund to pay for a poll on whether to introduce Maori wards.
Two weeks ago the council was forced to back track on its decision not to hold a poll until next year's local government elections, after a petition signed by more than 5% of electors, demanded a poll be held as soon as possible.
Deputy Mayor Denise Eaglesome, who is Maori, says she supports the poll even though she is against the establishment of Maori wards.
She says she will never support giving special seats to Maori as it dumbs them down.
Ms Eaglesome says she was elected to council on her merits not because she is Maori and there are others who could do the same.
She believes voters put people on council because of their ability not because of their colour.
The poll to be held in May will be binding for the 2013 and 2016 elections.
