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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 divisive legislative amendment that forced local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which can include one or more elected officials based on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the option to elect a assured Indigenous council member in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, councils could only create a Māori ward by first submitting it to a public vote in their region. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time building community backing and pushing their councils to establish Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the previous Labour government permitted local councils to set up a Indigenous seat without initially mandating them to subject it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration overturned the policy, stating local residents should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct binding referendums concurrently with the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments participating in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

The results provided “a crucial move in reinstating local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it wants to terminate “race-based” approaches, and asserts it is dedicated to enhancing results for Indigenous people and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote supported Indigenous seats, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards removing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had only just come in – they’re only just starting to find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

This year’s local government elections registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with less than a third of eligible voters participating, prompting calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to establish different wards – such as countryside seats – without first requiring a public vote. The different conditions placed on Indigenous representation indicated the government was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have given the government a middle finger response.”

This remark concerned the 17 regions that chose to retain their wards.