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The count of guaranteed positions for Māori representatives on NZ local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, following a controversial law change that forced local governments to submit the fate of hard-won Māori seats to a public vote.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have multiple elected officials based on demographic data, were established in 2001 to give Māori electors the option to elect a guaranteed Indigenous council member in local and regional authorities. Originally, councils could only create a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a public vote in their region. Communities frequently devoted considerable time generating local support and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Legislative Shifts and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the former administration allowed local councils to establish a Māori ward without initially mandating them to subject it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the current administration reversed the change, stating local residents should decide whether to introduce Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The coalition’s law change required local authorities that had established a ward under the previous policy to hold decisive public votes alongside the municipal polls, which ended on October 11. Out of 42 local governments participating in the public vote, 17 voted to retain their seats, and twenty-five to abolish theirs – revealing many regions opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results represented “a crucial move in restoring local democratic control.”

Critics nevertheless have criticised the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the current administration has implemented extensive reversals to measures designed to improve Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. The government has said it aims to terminate “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were divided down city-country divisions – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while countryside areas leaned strongly towards removing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Indigenous seats that had recently been established – they’re only just starting to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Concerns

This year’s local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to calls for an overhaul.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to create different electoral districts – such as rural wards – without first requiring a public vote. The disparate requirements applied to Māori wards indicated the administration was targeting Indigenous inclusion.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Numerous localities have given the government a middle finger response.”

This statement concerned the 17 regions that voted to keep their wards.