Te Ao Māori

Many councillors said their decision to retain was made to represent the 54 percent Māori population in Gisborne who have historically been under-represented at the council table.

The festival serves as a celebration of te reo Māori and recognises it as the official language of New Zealand, Tā Timoti Kāretu says.

Tense scenes unfolded as at least 150 demonstrators gathered while the council voted.

The council will potentially be the first council in the country to get rid of Māori wards under legislation passed last week.

It will ensure Māori have greater access to decision-making at a local level, the mayor says.

Ngātiwai chairperson Aperahama Edwards says doing so would be significant, not just for Northland, but for all of Aotearoa.

Parliament's Social Services and Community Committee has been hearing submissions on the legislation to repeal Section 7AA, which binds Oranga Tamariki to the principles of the Treaty of Waitangi.

A state care survivor from the iwi says it's dangerous and unsafe to be Māori in their own land, as they oppose the legislation's removal.

More than 200 people have gathered outside Parliament in support of Ngāpuhi opposition to the repeal of Section 7AA of the Oranga Tamariki Act.

A crew from Ngāti Whātua Ōrākei will paddle Te Kawau in front of Team New Zealand, taking them to the start line before racing.

Organisers of the rally say they want action for tamariki and mokopuna in state care.

Mayor Craig Jepson would not predict the decision but said he would be voting to remove the ward.

Far North District Council is calling for part of the fast-tracking bill to be wiped due to fears it will allow mining currently prohibited in outstanding natural areas.

The son of a late veteran is disappointed at the rugby union's lack of recognition of the squad.