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The count of reserved positions for Māori representatives on NZ councils is set to be cut by over 50%, following a divisive legislative amendment that required municipal councils to put the future of hard-earned Indigenous wards to a public vote.

Historical Context on Indigenous Representation

Māori wards, which can include one or more councillors based on local population numbers, were created in 2001 to give Māori electors the choice to vote for a guaranteed Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Initially, councils could only establish a Indigenous seat by first putting it to a public vote in their area. Communities often devoted considerable time generating community backing and pushing their councils to establish Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Administrative Decisions

To address this concern, the previous Labour government allowed municipal authorities to establish a Indigenous seat without first requiring them to subject it to a public vote.

However, this year, the right-wing coalition government reversed the change, stating communities ought to determine whether to establish Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation mandated councils that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to hold decisive public votes concurrently with the municipal polls, which concluded on October 11. Out of 42 local governments participating in the public vote, 17 decided to keep their seats, and 25 to abolish theirs – showing numerous areas opposed to reserved Indigenous seats.

The results provided “a crucial move in reinstating local democratic control.”

Opposition parties however have condemned the new policy as “racist” and “against Indigenous interests”. Since taking office, the coalition government has implemented extensive reversals to policies designed to improve Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has said it aims to end “ethnic-specific” policies, and says it is dedicated to enhancing results for Indigenous people and all New Zealanders.

Geographical Splits

The results of the referendums were divided down urban-rural lines – most urban centers mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards disestablishing them.

“It's unfortunate for the Māori wards that had recently been established – they’re just beginning to hit their stride.”

Electoral Participation and Concerns

This year’s municipal polls registered the smallest electoral participation in 36 years, with under one-third of eligible voters casting a vote, leading to demands for reform.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Comparative Treatment

Local governments are permitted to establish other types of electoral districts – such as rural wards – without first requiring a community ballot. The different conditions placed on Māori wards indicated the government was targeting Māori representation.

“Ultimately, they were unsuccessful. Many communities have expressed strong opposition.”

This statement concerned the 17 areas that chose to retain their wards.