The Hamilton City Council has voted unanimously to establish Māori wards.
The Waikato River flows through Hamilton. Photo: 123rf
A special meeting was held on Wednesday.
The vote came after a three-week public consultation period, with the majority of 994 submissions, just over 80-percent, backing introducing Māori wards.
The decision means Māori wards will be in place for the 2022 and 2025 elections.
A wider review of council's representation arrangements will take place later this year, which will address how many Māori ward seats will be introduced, as well as other representation considerations.
It is expected Hamilton will have two Māori seats.
It will be the first time Hamilton City Council will have dedicated representation for Māori at the full council table.
Mayor Paula Southgate said it was a historic day for Hamilton and that the city would be better for the unanimous vote.
She thanked her councillors for careful consideration of all the issues and also thanked those who had shared their views, respectfully and courageously.
"We must continue to have courageous conversations and go forward, together. If we do not, we will not flourish as a city," Southgate said.
"I want to lead a city where we know and celebrate our differences because we are united on what matters most. I believe that is what everyone in our city wants and today we have taken an important step towards that."
