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Andrew Tripe on Tuesday voted in favour of establishing two Māori wards seats in the district, reversing the choice he made in October.

It means the matter will now go to a binding public referendum at next year's local body elections, with the result taking effect from 2028 onwards.

A series of efforts by the opposition to bring a vote of no confidence so far this year have come to nothing and Marape said he has the numbers to avoid removal.

Western Bay of Plenty councillors have stood by their decision and reaffirmed a Māori ward for the district.

Māori ward councillors say their roles have brought positive change - and they hope the votes will reflect that.

What started as a museum has bloomed into New Zealand's only comprehensive cannabis prescription service - but not everyone is supportive.

More than half of the 45 district, city and regional councils have voted in the past month, with all but two choosing to retain their Māori seats for the 2025 elections.

Whangārei District councillors have voted down a motion to abolish their Māori ward in a two-hour, often emotional debate.

Instead, the council will keep its two-seat Māori ward at the next election, and hold a referendum.

The ACT Party plans to introduce a member's bill to expand eligibility.

The Week in Politics: The PM faces heat at Tūrangawaewae, David Seymour's Treaty Principles Bill faces an early death, and the government faces an energy crisis.

Veronique Roger-Lacan said the argument of New Caledonia Congress President Roch Wamytan "does not fly" and Paris has a "totally impartial" stance" on the decolonisation process. Audio

Councillors, mayors and officials could be heard groaning as the prime minister spoke. Audio

The New Caledonia Congress President has doubled down on Kanaks' aspirations to seek self-determination and lambasted France for "demeaning" Pacific leaders' mission.

The deputy prime minister has muddied the waters on the Treaty Principles Bill debate just days after the prime minister sought to extinguish any confusion on the issue.

Indonesian security forces fired tear gas and rubber bullets in clashes with protestors marking the 62nd anniversary of a UN agreement that paved the way for Jakarta's annexation of the Papua region. Video

The council that pioneered Māori representation in local government says it sees no need to establish a Māori ward.

Councillors left no doubt about their own feelings at a community meeting in Ohakune on their Ruapehu Māori ward.

Councillor Nandor Tanczos has denounced new Māori wards legislation and wants the council to seek legal advice.

A round-up of news in brief from around the region, including activists marking three months of protests in New Caledonia.

Donald Trump - who has long been known as an effective mudslinger and energetic campaigner - has struggled to punch back.