The Kaipara Mayor says the vote to disestablish the council's Māori ward could go either way. 

Kaipara District Council could become the first to remove the Te Moananui o Kaipara Māori ward under new legislation. 

Councillors are meeting in Mangawhai today to vote on the decision, with protests also expected. 

Mayor Craig Jepson called the meeting just 24 hours after the new law kicked in. 

Jepson told Mike Hosking he doesn't think there's any need for Māori Wards 

He says it'll be a democratic process, but he just hopes intimidation doesn't change councillors' votes. 

Councils have until September 6 to make a decision, with a number of councils leaning towards retention. 

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