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The number of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities is set to be slashed by more than half, after a divisive law change that required local governments to put the fate of hard-won Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Background Information on Māori Wards

Māori wards, which can include multiple councillors depending on demographic data, were established in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the option to vote for a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, councils were only able to establish a Indigenous seat by first submitting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations often devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed municipal authorities to set up a Indigenous seat without initially mandating them to put it to a public vote.

However, this year, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, saying local residents should decide whether to establish Indigenous representation.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation required councils that had created a electoral district under the previous policy to hold binding referendums alongside the municipal polls, which ended on 11 October. Of 42 councils participating in the referendum, 17 decided to keep their wards, and 25 to disestablish theirs – revealing numerous areas opposed to guaranteed Māori representation.

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

Critics however have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “against Indigenous interests”. After assuming power, the current administration has ushered in extensive reversals to policies intended to enhance Māori health, wellbeing and representation. The government has stated it wants to terminate “race-based” approaches, and asserts it is dedicated to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the referendums 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 find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

This year’s municipal polls registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with under one-third of citizens participating, prompting demands for reform.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Local governments are able to create different wards – such as rural wards – without first requiring a public vote. The disparate requirements placed on Māori wards indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

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

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