Hauraki District councillors have voted to establish Māori wards for the first time, to be set up for the 2025 elections and beyond.
Mayor Toby Adams and councillors joined local iwi, rangatahi and kaumātua, young and old to celebrate the vote on Wednesday.
Adams said it's about what's right for the community.
"This year we committed to the mahi through various hui and the passionate input from iwi.”
He said iwi overwhelmingly supported the new wards.
"Safeguarding Māori cultural concepts, values and practices and viewing our decisions through a Māori world view lens has already been enriching the way we approach our responsibilities at [the] council."
He said Māori wards will allow the aspirations of whānau, hapū and iwi to be fully represented.
Before Wednesday's vote, John Linstead from Ngāti Hako told the council it was about working "with you, not against you".
Josie Anderson, also from Ngāti Hako, said it would lay the foundation for the next century of decisions.
"This will take our rangatahi and our people into the future. Don't be frightened by it.
"We all have different opinions but this is just another step to keep us looking for effective contributions into the infrastructure of council."
Māori wards are designated councillor roles for a district - much like general wards.
The number of Māori wards depends on how many people are on the Māori roll versus the total population.
Two Māori wards are likely to be established in the Hauraki District.
Voters on the Māori roll in Hauraki will be able to vote for any Māori ward candidate as well as the mayor but they cannot vote in the general wards.
Hauraki District Council will next decide on the logistics at its next representation review, before the next elections in October 2025.
"I couldn’t be prouder," Adams said.
