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The number of reserved positions for Indigenous council members on New Zealand local authorities is set to be slashed by over 50%, following a divisive law change that required local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have one or more councillors depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the choice to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils could only create a Indigenous seat by first submitting it to a community referendum in their region. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and urging their local governments to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to set up a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration overturned the policy, stating local residents should decide whether to introduce Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required local authorities that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to hold decisive public votes concurrently with the local body elections, which concluded on 11 October. Of 42 councils participating in the public vote, 17 voted to keep their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions against guaranteed Māori representation.

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

Opposition parties however have criticised the new policy as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has stated it aims to terminate “race-based” approaches, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were divided down urban-rural lines – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Indigenous seats, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

This year’s local government elections recorded the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with under one-third of citizens casting a vote, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Councils are able to establish other types of wards – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements placed on Māori wards suggested the government was targeting Māori representation.

“Well, they failed. Numerous localities have expressed strong opposition.”

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