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The count of guaranteed seats for Māori representatives on New Zealand local authorities is set to be slashed by over 50%, following 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

Māori wards, which may have multiple elected officials depending on demographic data, were created in 2001 to give Māori electors the choice to vote for a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, councils were only able to create a Māori ward by first submitting it to a community referendum in their region. Communities frequently devoted considerable time generating community backing and pushing their councils to establish Indigenous representation.

Legislative Shifts and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed local councils to set up a Māori ward without first requiring them to put it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government overturned the policy, stating communities should decide whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Referendum Results

The new legislation required local authorities that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct binding referendums alongside the municipal polls, which concluded on October 11. Of 42 councils participating in the referendum, 17 decided to retain their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

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

Critics nevertheless have criticised the new policy as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to improve Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has stated it wants to end “race-based” policies, and says it is committed to improving outcomes for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were divided down urban-rural lines – six of the seven cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards removing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent municipal polls recorded the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters casting a vote, leading to calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to establish other types of electoral districts – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions applied to Māori wards suggested the government was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

“Well, they failed. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This statement referred to the 17 regions that chose to retain their wards.