A National MP is suggesting it's undemocratic for councils to decide whether we should have Maori wards.

Gisborne and Taupo this week joined the growing list of Councils in favour of introducing them, but in Northland, hundreds have signed a petition opposing them.

The law allows the decision to go to a binding referendum, if five per cent of the population demands it.

National MP for Whangaparaoa, Mark Mitchell told Mike Hosking councillors who bring in the wards should be voted out.

"I like to leave decisions with the community - and stop elected officials grabbing more and more power."

Labour's Stuart Nash says he's not against the idea of Maori wards.

"I am in favour of having them, but its up to local councils to determine, not the government."

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