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The count of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, after a divisive law change that required municipal councils to put the fate of hard-earned Māori seats to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which may have multiple councillors depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the choice to elect a guaranteed Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Initially, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by initially putting it to a public vote in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time building community backing and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government permitted municipal authorities to set up a Māori ward without initially mandating them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government overturned the policy, stating communities should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had established a electoral district under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes alongside the municipal polls, which concluded on October 11. Of 42 councils taking part in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results represented “a crucial move in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has said it wants to end “race-based” policies, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were split down city-country divisions – six of the seven urban centers required to vote backed 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 only just starting to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent local government elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with under one-third of citizens casting a vote, prompting calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are able to establish other types of wards – such as countryside seats – without initially mandating a public vote. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards suggested the government was singling out Māori representation.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Numerous localities have expressed strong opposition.”

This remark concerned the 17 regions that voted to retain their seats.