The resolution to introduce Māori wards this week was led by deputy mayor Aleisha Rutherford, who fronted the campaign last time, and Cr Lorna Johnson. Rutherford said she had been proud of earlier efforts to create wards and stand against “the out-of-town rent a crowd” that had circulated the petition that forced the poll. She was referring to visits to Palmerston North by Hobson’s Choice leader Don Brash. She said the decision to create Māori wards honoured the council’s commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi, reflected the partnership with tangata whenua, and respected the wishes of mana whenua.