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The count of reserved positions for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be slashed by over 50%, following a controversial legislative amendment that required municipal councils to put the future of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include multiple elected officials based on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the choice to elect a guaranteed Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Initially, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their councils to establish Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To address this concern, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to establish a Māori ward without initially mandating them to subject it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, stating local residents ought to determine whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct decisive public votes concurrently with the local body elections, which concluded on October 11. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to keep their seats, and 25 to abolish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results provided “a vital step in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics however have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures designed to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has stated it wants to end “ethnic-specific” approaches, and says it is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were divided down urban-rural lines – six of the seven urban centers mandated to hold referendums supported Indigenous seats, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

This year’s local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of eligible voters casting a vote, prompting demands for reform.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Councils are able to create other types of wards – such as countryside seats – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Indigenous representation indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

“Well, they failed. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This remark referred to the 17 areas that chose to keep their seats.