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The count of guaranteed seats for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by more than half, after a controversial legislative amendment that required local governments to put the future 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 give Indigenous voters the option to elect a guaranteed Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, local governments were only able to establish a Indigenous seat by first submitting it to a community referendum in their region. Local populations frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their councils to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to establish a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, saying local residents ought to determine whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required councils that had created a ward under Labour’s rules to conduct decisive public votes concurrently with the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Of 42 councils participating in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their wards, and twenty-five to abolish theirs – showing many regions opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes provided “a crucial move in restoring local democratic control.”

Opposition parties however have criticised the government’s law change as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented sweeping rollbacks to measures intended to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it aims to end “race-based” policies, and asserts it is committed to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

The results of the referendums were split down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote backed Indigenous seats, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent municipal polls recorded the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens participating, prompting calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to establish different wards – including rural wards – without initially mandating a public vote. The different conditions placed on Māori wards suggested the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

“Well, they failed. Numerous localities have given the government a middle finger response.”

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