Wairoa District Councillors voted on Tuesday to officially consult the community before making a decision on whether to introduce Maori wards for the local government elections.
Of the electoral population in the northern Hawke's Bay region, 46% are Maori - one of the highest percentages in New Zealand.
The council considered two resolutions on the issue of having separate wards.
They voted against holding a poll immediately to gauge public opinion on the issue, but in favour of holding a poll during the 2013 elections.
Earlier this year the council held five public meetings and mailed out a discussion document, Maori representation, what you need to know, which was accompanied by an informal expression of opinion survey.
Of those who responded to the survey, 62% voted against introducing Maori wards.
