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The count of reserved seats for Indigenous council members on New Zealand local authorities is set to be cut by over 50%, after a controversial law change that forced local governments to put the future of hard-won Indigenous wards to a popular referendum.

Historical Context on Māori Wards

Indigenous electoral districts, which can include one or more councillors depending on local population numbers, were established in 2001 to provide Māori electors the option to vote for a assured Māori representative in municipal and provincial governments. Originally, local governments were only able to establish a Māori ward by initially submitting it to a public vote in their area. Communities frequently devoted considerable time building community backing and urging their local governments to establish Indigenous representation.

Policy Changes and Government Actions

To remedy the issue, the former administration allowed local councils to set up a Indigenous seat without initially mandating them to put it to a public vote.

But in 2024, the right-wing coalition government overturned the policy, stating communities ought to determine whether to establish Māori wards.

Voting Outcomes

The new legislation required local authorities that had created a electoral district under Labour’s rules to hold binding referendums alongside the local body elections, which ended on 11 October. Out of 42 local governments taking part in the public vote, 17 voted to keep their wards, and twenty-five to disestablish theirs – revealing numerous areas against guaranteed Māori representation.

These outcomes represented “a crucial move in reinstating local democratic control.”

Opposition parties nevertheless have condemned the government’s law change as “racist” and “anti-Māori”. Since taking office, the coalition government has implemented extensive reversals to policies designed to enhance Māori health, wellbeing and representation. Officials has stated it wants to end “race-based” approaches, and says it is dedicated to enhancing results for Māori and every citizen.

Urban-Rural Divide

Outcomes of the public votes were split down urban-rural lines – most cities mandated to hold referendums supported Māori wards, while rural regions leaned strongly towards disestablishing them.

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

Voter Turnout and Criticism

This year’s local government elections registered the lowest voter turnout in over three decades, with less than a third of citizens casting a vote, prompting demands for reform.

This approach had been “a farce”.

Differential Standards

Councils are able to establish other types of wards – such as countryside seats – without first requiring a community ballot. The disparate requirements applied to Indigenous representation indicated the administration was targeting Māori representation.

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

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