This had garnered 101 responses, noted senior policy advisor Sue Mavor. Councillors were quick to point out that this feedback, and earlier opinions from iwi and Maori organisations had been carefully considered. Kevin Taylor, absent from the November meeting, acknowledged submissions both for and against. He had read them all, he said, along with a legal opinion on council decision-making “and for the record I am in favour of the resolution.” CHRIS MARSHALL/Stuff The TaupÅ District Council has confirmed a decision originally made last November to have Maori wards in place for at least the next two local body elections.