🔗 Share this article

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

Background Information on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include one or more councillors depending on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to give Māori electors the choice to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Initially, local governments could only establish a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government permitted local councils to establish a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to put it to a popular ballot.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, stating local residents should decide whether to introduce Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation required councils that had established a electoral district under the previous policy to conduct binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on October 11. Of 42 councils taking part in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing numerous areas opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes provided “a vital step in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics however have condemned the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it wants to terminate “ethnic-specific” policies, and asserts it is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most cities required to vote backed Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards removing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Concerns

This year’s municipal polls recorded the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens casting a vote, prompting calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Councils are able to create other types of electoral districts – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements placed on Māori wards indicated the government was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

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

This remark concerned the 17 regions that voted to retain their seats.