A Northland iwi leader is describing a vote by regional councillors to bring in Māori seats as hugely significant.
Seven of the eight councillors agreed to formally introduce Māori representation at their monthly meeting in WhÄngarei yesterday.
One councillor, John Bain, has resigned over the move. Ngāti Hine leader, Pita Tipene, was on Te Taitokerau Māori and Council Working Party, which advises the council on Māori issues in Northland.
He told Māni Dunlop this is a huge milestone - but there is still work to do.
