🔗 Share this article

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

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have one or more elected officials based on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to give Māori electors the choice to vote for a guaranteed Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Initially, local governments were only able to establish a Indigenous seat by first submitting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations frequently spent years building local support and pushing their local governments to create Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed municipal authorities to establish 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 local residents ought to determine whether to introduce Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation required councils that had established a ward under the previous policy to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which concluded on October 11. Out of 42 local governments participating in the referendum, 17 decided to keep their wards, and 25 to abolish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

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

Critics however have criticised the government’s law change as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to policies designed to enhance Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has said it aims to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and asserts it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most urban centers mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, 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 find their footing.”

Electoral Participation and Criticism

The recent local government elections registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters casting a vote, prompting calls for an overhaul.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are permitted to establish different electoral districts – such as countryside seats – without initially mandating a community ballot. The disparate requirements placed on Māori wards indicated the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

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

This remark concerned the 17 areas that voted to retain their wards.