Watch: 'Double standard' - Marama Davidson questions Government over 'discriminatory' Maori ward polls

The issues of Maori wards was brought up during Parliament's Question Time today, with new Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson questioning the "discriminatory" nature of legislation to enact Maori wards onto local council. 

Ms Davidson asked if the current standard of enacting Maori wards was a "double standard", compared to the implementation of general wards. 

Also from yesterday's question time:

Watch: Feisty exchange between Winston Peters and Paula Bennett over whether beneficiaries should be drug-tested

"That is certainly a strong view that is held by the sector representative group, Local Government NZ, and a range of councils," Local Government Minister Nanaia Mahuta said. 

Currently, the public can demand a poll to be taken for Maori wards or Maori constituencies , and the result of Maori wards defendant on the poll result . 

The rules have been criticised by Local Government New Zealand, whose President Dave Cull wrote an open letter to government urging the removal the provisions.

Ms Mahuta said she was aware of the letter, and read out a section that said: "'Either the poll provision should apply to all wards, or they should apply to none. The discriminatory nature of these polls is not acceptable'."

Ms Davidson asked if the Minister was "concerned of the effect of these discriminatory polls that set up extra hurdles for Maori participation, given the UN has noted that Aotearoa has 'persistently low levels of Maori representation in local government'".

"I'm concerned the poll drives the wrong conversation at a local level where time has moved on, and actually the sentiment of local people has moved on because Maori are participating positively and contributing to well-being outcomes, and they want to, which is why they seek Maori representation," Ms Mahuta said. 

"As we work these issues forward for the coalition and confidence-and-supply government, it is important I provide all the information available so we can ensure the issue of Maori representation and contributing to positive outcomes in the region is not overshadowed by negative sentiment which seeks to divide views at a local level. This issue must be owned at a local level."

Ms Davidson said the price of the polls was costing coucils up to $140,000. 

"I am aware, anecdotally, that within each local government area, the cost of holding such polls is a concern to them," Ms Mahuta said.