Photo: RNZ / Mark Papalii

The mayor of Wellington says the coalition's proposed restructure of local government is a "pretty serious attack" on the Crown's treaty obligations.

The coalition wants mayors of city and district councils to take over the duties of regional councillors, in what would be the biggest local government shakeup in three decades.

The proposed removal of regional seats includes scrapping Māori constituencies.

There are currently two regional councils with specific legislation for Māori represenation: Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Canterbury Regional Council.

The government's discussion document states the government has "considered the impact of the proposal on Māori rights and interests".

It also says th

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