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The count of reserved seats for Māori representatives on New Zealand local authorities is set to be cut by more than half, after a divisive law change that forced local governments to put the future of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Indigenous electoral districts, which may have one or more councillors depending on demographic data, were created in 2001 to give Indigenous voters the option to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in local and regional authorities. Originally, local governments could only establish a Indigenous seat by initially putting it to a community referendum in their area. Local populations often spent years building community backing and pushing their local governments to create Māori wards.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed local councils to establish a Māori ward without initially mandating them to subject it to a popular ballot.

However, this year, the current administration reversed the change, saying local residents should decide whether to establish Māori wards.

Referendum Results

The new legislation mandated councils that had established a electoral district under Labour’s rules to conduct decisive public votes concurrently with the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the referendum, 17 decided to keep their wards, and twenty-five to abolish theirs – showing numerous areas against guaranteed Māori representation.

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

Opposition parties nevertheless have condemned the new policy as “discriminatory” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has ushered in extensive reversals to measures intended to improve Indigenous welfare and political inclusion. Officials has said it aims to terminate “ethnic-specific” policies, and asserts it is dedicated to improving outcomes for Māori and every citizen.

Geographical Splits

The results of the public votes were divided down urban-rural lines – most urban centers required to vote backed Māori wards, while countryside areas skewed heavily towards disestablishing them.

“It’s a real shame for the Māori wards that had only just come in – they’re only just starting to find their footing.”

Voter Turnout and Criticism

The recent local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters participating, leading to demands for reform.

The process had been “a mockery”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to create other types of wards – including rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards indicated the government was singling out Indigenous inclusion.

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

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