Dedicated Maori seats possible in Rotorua

The Rotorua District Council is considering having dedicated Maori seats even though one-third of its present membership is Maori.

The debate comes as all councils review representation for the 2007 local body elections.

A hui on Saturday at Te Papaiouru Marae, held to consult Te Arawa people, showed opinions were evenly divided on whether there should be wards for Maori and non-Maori.