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The number of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on New Zealand local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, following a divisive legislative amendment that required local governments to submit the fate of hard-won Māori seats to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Māori wards, which may have multiple councillors depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to elect a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, councils could only establish a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a community referendum in their region. Local populations frequently spent years generating community backing and urging their councils to create Indigenous representation.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To address this concern, the former administration allowed local councils to set up a Māori ward without initially mandating them to put it to a public vote.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, stating communities ought to determine whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change mandated local authorities that had established a ward under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on October 11. Of 42 councils participating in the public vote, 17 decided to keep their seats, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas against reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics however have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented sweeping rollbacks to policies designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has said it wants to end “ethnic-specific” approaches, and says it is dedicated to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were split down city-country divisions – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while rural regions skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Criticism

This year’s municipal polls registered the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with less than a third of citizens participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to establish other types of wards – such as rural wards – without initially mandating a public vote. The different conditions applied to Māori wards indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

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

This statement concerned the 17 areas that chose to keep their seats.