The vast majority of councils across New Zealand have decided to protect their Maori wards

A Government law change has required councils to either decide to disestablish the wards themselves - or put the issue to public referendum.

With the deadline for deciding expiring today, 43 out of 45 councils have voted to keep the wards, and will hold polls at next year's local election on their own dime.

Green Party Maori Development spokesperson Huhana Lyndon says forcing the councils into a binding poll is wasteful overreach into the business of local authorities.