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The number of reserved positions for Indigenous council members on NZ councils will be slashed by more than half, after a controversial legislative amendment that required local governments to put the fate of hard-earned Māori seats to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include multiple councillors based on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to provide Indigenous voters the choice to elect a assured Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Initially, councils were only able to create a Indigenous seat by first submitting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time generating community backing and urging their councils to create Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed local councils to establish a Māori ward without first requiring them to subject it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, stating communities ought to determine whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change mandated local authorities that had established a ward under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes concurrently with the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Of 42 councils taking part in the referendum, 17 voted to keep their seats, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes represented “a crucial move in restoring community self-determination.”

Opposition parties however have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has stated it wants to end “race-based” policies, and asserts it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were divided down urban-rural lines – most cities mandated to hold referendums backed Indigenous seats, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards removing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Concerns

The recent municipal polls registered the smallest electoral participation in over three decades, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, prompting calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Councils are able to create other types of electoral districts – including rural wards – without initially mandating a community ballot. The disparate requirements placed on Indigenous representation indicated the government was singling out Māori representation.

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

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