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The number of reserved positions for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be slashed by more than half, following a divisive law change that forced municipal councils to put the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Background Information on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include multiple councillors based on demographic data, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the choice to elect a guaranteed Indigenous council member in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, local governments could only establish a Māori ward by first submitting it to a public vote in their region. Communities frequently devoted considerable time generating community backing and urging their councils to create Indigenous representation.

Legislative Shifts and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed local councils to set up a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

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

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation required councils that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct binding referendums concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to abolish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

The results represented “a vital step in reinstating local democratic control.”

Critics however have criticised the new policy as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the coalition government has ushered in sweeping rollbacks to policies intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it aims to terminate “race-based” policies, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Indigenous seats, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Indigenous seats that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens casting a vote, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are able to establish other types of wards – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards suggested the administration was singling out Māori representation.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This remark referred to the 17 areas that voted to keep their wards.